Close To His Heart

Close to His Heart

Read: Mark 9:33-37

“If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

Mark 9:35

“Christ is with the humble, not with those who set themselves up over His flock.”

—Clement of Rome

IN WORD Could our human nature come up with any less appealing prospect than service as a means to greatness? Probably not. We see what servants put up with. We want no such menial responsibility. We want to be important. We want our lives to count for more than that.

What our human nature does not comprehend is that the kingdom of God is not built with stature and prestige. It is not made from human wisdom and creativity. It is built by the Spirit, and only the things the Spirit inspires will last. If we have invested much in our own importance, we will be devastated when God’s kingdom is the last one standing. It is not built on our importance, but on God’s. It is raised on the foundation of God’s character, and whatever of His character we have will remain. Prestige won’t. Service will. The yardstick is turned upside down.

Humble service lasts because it matches the nature of God. It is fully in line with His character when it is done in His name. Even though we know this, we more easily follow our baser instincts—we, like the people of Babel, want to make a name for ourselves. We, like Cain, are overly concerned with our own reputation. We, like Nebuchadnezzar, are fascinated with the cult of self. We aren’t convinced that Jesus’ path to greatness is the right one.

IN DEED Why not? Has anything He has said led us astray? He who is faithful will not point us in the wrong direction. His kingdom is a place of service because it is a place of love, and love cannot help but serve.

How badly do you want to fit into God’s kingdom culture? How much do you want fellowship with Him? The level of your service will give you the answer. To know Him and to be like Him is to serve for Him and with Him. You can’t get any closer to His heart than that.