Luke 22:25-26
And he (Jesus)said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them, and those in authority over them are called benefactors. But not so with you. Rather, let the greatest among you become as the youngest, and the leader as one who serves.
An argument arose among them as to which of them was the greatest. But Jesus, knowing the reasoning of their hearts, took a child and put him by his side and said to them, “Whoever receives this child in my name receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. For he who is least among you all is the one who is great.”
And he (Jesus) said to them, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.”
Human desires have not changed since the first man and woman focused their primary attention on the fruit from one tree among thousands in the garden of paradise. Their desire to become like god caused them to lose the most important relationship in their life. Has anything changed since then?
You and I were designed in the image of our Creator. We are made to reflect his glory. Yet we stumble more times than not because of our ignorance of what is truly good. Instead of yielding ourselves to the authority of our Creator and waiting until HE acknowledges we are ready to accept more responsibility, we rebel because we want to do it our way now.
In some cases, we may also hold to the false illusion we are different than others and have the capacity to better manage ourselves where they fall short. Yet time and our actions throughout history continually prove us wrong.
Somewhere I recall reading one of the self-help books where the author’s main point when selling anything to anyone was to take advantage of the need and desire people have to feel important. What life has shown me over time is some people have a greater need than others to be important in their eyes. The vicious trap of seeking self-importance through power, prestige, and possessions is the insecure game people play to compete against others for the top of the hill.
Now Jesus addresses these issues three different times with his disciples. For those who seek power, they should seek to become servants. For those who want to have the most prestigious position, they need to become like little children. And those who covet possessions, are battling against the spirit of greed within materialism and need to become rich toward God if they are going to save their soul.
The solution to break these vices are counter-intuitive to human nature. Our natural desire is for self-importance. But Jesus emphasizes humility. He instructs us to submit ourselves to HIS authority in life. When we do, HE provides us with HIS Spirit which empowers us to become more like HIM.
In HIS Kingdom, all power, prestige, and possessions belong to HIM. He is willing to share the same with others when they have the proven character to manage these items for HIS glory and for the sake of others. For example, power is typically noticed only when it is abused. In HIS Kingdom, serving others for their enrichment is the prime motivating factor. Not self-aggrandizement.
Leadership also walks in meekness. The role is to serve others, not for one’s glory, but for the glory of God and the benefit of others.
Likewise, possessions belong to King Jesus. Each child of God are stewards of HIS belongings. HE gives us the responsibility to manage them for our families and others who are in need.
HIS entire Kingdom is built upon HIS character and attributes. When we follow HIM in our walk with each other, we live in harmony with heavenly principles being acted upon on earth today. This is God’s way of living which again is counter-intuitive to human nature. To become effective saints living out God’s Way of life requires HIS Spirit and knowledge of HIM. Anything less is our guessing to live a productive life. Yes, we may become #1 in our hierarchy at the expense of all others. However, God’s way makes Jesus #1 and brings everyone else to join HIM at HIS table.
Yes, God, you, and all others participate at the victory table when we fully live out the Christian life.
Rooting For You in Christ!
Dr. Mike
Encourager, Faith-Integrator, Scribbler
Available for Your Devotional Study:
- Stay Free…Avoid Worldly Traps
- Overflowing Prayers Rooted in Jesus Christ v1 & v2
- Dancing With God: Life-Giving Theology Explained
- Great Business Emulates a Good God
- Simply The Messenger
- Unequally Married
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