Months ago I was volunteering for an activity at my daughter’s school.  While the students were playing I noticed my daughter near a set of bars that resembled what kids from my age bracket referred to as “monkey bars” or a “jungle gym.”  She was having some difficulty and wasn’t able to reach the bars.  My first instinct was to go and help her but for some reason I decided to wait to see how she would handle this obstacle.  A few seconds later I watched as another little girl I’d never seen before, unprompted, went down on her hands and knees so my daughter could climb up on her back to reach the bars.  A few seconds later she was swinging and having a good little time.  Minutes later that same little girl was repeating the same action for someone else.  I instantly realized I was in the presence of a little girl with a servants.  The little girl couldn’t have been any older than 8 or 9 but had already learned the importance of servanthood to others.  She never asked for anything in return, she simply helped out and ran to play elsewhere.  Truth be told, I felt a bit of admiration as well as a healthy dose of conviction.  I questioned when was the last time I had gotten on my hands and knees to help someone like that, whether physically or spiritually.  What is my concern and/or reason for not doing so?  Getting my hands and clothes dirty?  Or not doing so because it was inconvenient?

While stopping at a house in Capernaum Jesus called the disciples unto himself after noticing them arguing while on their journey.  Their argument was over who was the greatest.  Jesus instantly squashed their ridiculous conversation by stating, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.” [Mark 9:35]    Societal norms now dictate we strive for positions of influence so we can make more money or achieve any number of things that have no eternal value.  I am a strong proponent of someone bettering themselves by way of a college degree, a better job, or the like.  But I also find it important in every situation we must question our motives.  As Christians we all know, “..to whom much is given, much is required.” [Luke 12:48].  It’s imperative we view every promotion as a tool to further kingdom work and His purpose for our lives.  This life is not about achieving a place of dignity or preeminence.  That feeds the fleshly man-that man we have to crucify every day.  This life and our ministry as the hands and feet of God are about getting on our hands and knees and helping someone in need.  The higher we rise in any position, the lower we must become.  A great friend of mine recently send me a text that stated, “A real leader serves people from the bottom up.”  That spoke volumes to me.

Closing remarks and encouragement:  Being on our hands and knees isn’t comfortable…but it’s not a far-fetched idea.  After all, we should have been on our knees anyway… praying.  Right?  The idea that someone, or anyone for that matter, is unworthy of our care/help would be like Jesus choosing to only die for the forgiveness of a select few rather than everyone.  A promotion, while yours, was never for/about you.  Everything good that comes our way is a set up for kingdom purposes and fulfillment of His work on this earth.  There’s nothing wrong with being thankful for a God-sent promotion.  But don’t confuse God’s blessings with permission to flaunt our influence.  We should be in the business of giving a hand up rather than a hand out.

Have a blessed week, my friends!