25b “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them 26 It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, 27 and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, 28 even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:25b28)
Our natural inclination is to promote ourselves over all else. Whether this is intentional or masked, it remains true. In the backwards and counter cultural revolution of Jesus, this must not be true. We must demote ourselves – our agendas and intentions – in order to promote those around us. Following Christ is not simply a touch of selflessness, but it is selflessness incarnate. The art of love must go beyond mere suggestion. This life is to be a relentless pursuit of favoring others, not because it is popular but because it is aligned with the will of God. Be aware of your natural love of self. Remember, that true love of self is both lost and gained in the giving up of one’s rights.
Today, don’t think less of yourself but think of yourself less. Walk away from the mirror of self promotion to a world that needs your specific brand of love. Get lost in the service of others and know that in this, you shall find who you really are.
Matt simon blog 