Ready
“For 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 10:45
Set
One of the requirements many coaches have for their new players is they have to serve the team. Maybe it’s filling the water coolers and carrying them out to the field or picking up everyone’s jerseys after the game and taking them to the laundry room. For some this is a brand-new experience. Maybe this is you and you’ve not had to serve others before. There are two vital actions that every athlete needs to learn and do if they want to advance in life. One is to have an attitude of serving. This attitude in turn drives the action of servant which is the second vital action. Those who serve and have a servant heart are the leaders.
You may have noticed that there are some players who willingly and simply do these chores and other acts of service for the team. These few players have decided that serving is the better way to go. They may be looked down on or even criticized for their acts of service. But they have decided to be a servant and to serve others as a higher way of leadership.
The greatest example of this dual attitude and action is Jesus. He clearly stated and then demonstrated that His way to live was to serve and be a servant. In Mark 9:35 he said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be last and servant of all.” This was His approach to everything and everyone. Later in Philippians 2:7 it was said of Him, that instead of choosing to sit at the top and be the highest, “He emptied himself by assuming the form of a servant…” Talk about being the greatest example – wow!
At every practice, team meeting, game and post-game time, athletes who truly succeed are the ones who determine their attitude will be to serve, and they decide to act as a servant. This can and should go beyond the team to their families and friendships. It is true too that others will not understand this Jesus Way, and they may poke fun of you and criticize you. But don’t let that hinder you or bother you, Jesus faced the very same ridicule, and He was and is the greatest leader and servant of all time.
Go
Do you like it when someone serves you?
Is it easy or hard for you to serve others?
What might be a reason it’s hard?
Workout
Overtime
“Lord Jesus, it is so difficult to have the right attitude of serving and to act as a servant to others. I want to be served instead of serving others. I ask You to help change my heart so that I can be more like you. Help me see the needs and opportunities to serve others. Help me be a blessing to others. For your honor and glory. Amen”