WF Pride

Sacrifice and Serve

Chad Cottingham

When I was a young boy, my brother and I used to argue all the time about who was the greatest superhero. I always liked Superman and he was more of a Batman fan. We would pretend to have their super powers and play fight. I, as Superman, always won.

Let’s fast forward to today… How do people define greatness? I guess that depends on who you ask. If you asked a banker on Wall Street he would probably say ‘Money’. If you asked an actor in Hollywood, he or she would probably say ‘Fame’. If you asked a politician the answer may be ‘Power’. If you asked someone you know what would they say? Would it be material possessions, good health, a great education, and influence through a job? What and who determines greatness? Our culture has a lot of different answers, and most are based on their own individual beliefs and experiences.

The greatest man who ever lived, Jesus Christ, had a very counter-culture answer when asked about the secret to greatness. In Mathew chapter 20:26, Jesus said, “Whoever wants to be great must be a servant to others.” He reiterated this truth when He said, “For even I didn’t come to be served, but to serve others and give my life as a ransom for many” Mark 10:45. As followers of Christ, we were saved to serve. He has a job for us to do here on earth. That job is to be a servant to Christ and the people around you. The opportunities to serve are endless if we open our eyes, seize the opportunity, and follow the example set forth by Christ. It may be the most difficult to do, but the call to service is the greatest call of all.

Challenge: How can you be a servant to others today? How can you serve your church, your family, your co-workers and friends?

“Dear Lord, help us to sacrifice our own wants and desires and look for opportunities to serve others and You. Help us to be the men and women you called us to be – to be great in life by serving others. Amen”

Excerpts taken from: At Your Service, Lord – by James Merritt