TWO TYPES OF PEOPLE

Luke 9:46-48 (NRSV)

An argument arose among them as to which one of them was the greatest. But Jesus, aware of their inner thoughts, took a little child and put it by his side, and said to them, "Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest."

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[Jesus] said to [the disciples], "Whoever welcomes this child in my name welcomes me, and whoever welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me; for the least among all of you is the greatest."
- Luke 9:48 (NRSV)
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MANY years ago, in my first job after graduating from college, I received some advice from a veteran co-worker. He made the comment that there were two types of people in the world -- the ones who do the work, and the ones who take the credit. Then he advised me to strive always to be part of the first group. When I asked him why, he replied, "Because there's a lot less competition."

Bruce was making a joke, but unfortunately there is truth in his comment. Even the disciples had an argument about which of them would be the greatest. As I reflect on this, I find it amazing that the men who followed Christ day in and day out, who stood in the shadow of his perfection, would argue about such a trivial matter.

Jesus heard their argument and resolved it by telling them, "the least among all of you is the greatest." He clearly told them (and us) that serving others is true greatness.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, help us to remember your example, to focus on serving others. Amen.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY:
The more we serve others, the greater we are in God's kingdom.

-- John D. Bown (Minnesota, U.S.A.)

PRAYER FOCUS: Co-workers