And he (Jesus) sat down and called the twelve. And he said to them, “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all.” Mark 9:35
Early in ministry, I was standing at the end of the line at one of those famous church potlucks when a church member approached me and commented, “Pastor, I noticed that you always get in line last at the dinners. How come?”
I answered, “Jesus says the if anybody would be first, he should be last.” Then I quipped, “And besides, by being last you can also be the first to take seconds… and nobody notices.”After we had our chuckle, I explained.
I decided back in seminary that this would be my practice going forward. It helps me remember Jesus’ teaching, puts me in my place, and assures that the people I love (my neighbors) have been served.
In our Christian walk, even little decisions and follow-up are important. They will change how you view the world and can become loving habits. I call this “Serving” by example.
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