37They answered him, “Allow us to sit at your right and at your left in your glory.” … 41When the ten disciples heard this, they began to be indignant with James and John. 42Jesus called them over and said to them, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. 43But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Mark 10:37, 41-45 (Mark 10:35-45 linked)
Anyone can want a position.
Anyone can ask for a promotion.
Anyone can desire more pay, more titles, more prestige.
Not anyone can go through the sacrifice to get there.
Two of Jesus’ disciples asked for the best positions in Jesus’ soon to be earthly kingdom. Easy to do. However, they had no idea of a couple of things…
- Jesus’ Kingdom wasn’t of this world.
- Jesus’ Kingdom doesn’t work the same as the worlds’ kingdoms.
Jesus’ Kingdom isn’t interested in the positions people want. Jesus is interested in the sacrifice we’re willing to make.
To be the greatest, you must sacrifice the most.
We acknowledge this reality in our world too. The Winter Olympics are a week or so away. Stories of sacrifice to pursue goals inspire us as we sit on our couch.
I recently read Lone Survivor. This is the story of a Navy SEAL mission gone wrong in the mountains of Afghanistan. Marcus Luttrell, survivor and author, outlines the sacrifice SEALs go through just to be a SEAL. And then the sacrifice the SEALs made that fateful day.
The sacrifices we watch in others make them great in our minds. Yet, we think we achieve influence based on position.
Leadership is Influence
Influence is Presence
Presence is Love
Love is Sacrifice
Wanting position, titles, salary and prestige maybe will get you all of those. Maybe not. But what about true greatness?
The more you Sacrifice to Influence those you want to lead, the more you will become great in the eyes of those you want to lead.
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