“True greatness is serving others” completely contradicts the way the world defines success, power, and leadership. Yet this is exactly how Jesus defined greatness for every Christian man.

Everyone wants power because power appears to offer control. And control promises that people and circumstances will go the way we want.

But God does not use His power the way sinful humanity does.

The rulers of the world accumulate power, prestige, wealth, recognition, and influence primarily for their own benefit. Jesus says this is the way of the nations. Tyrants dominate. Dictators demand recognition. Fallen humanity constantly seeks applause, status, comfort, and self-exaltation.

But Jesus says:

“Among you, it must not be like that.”

Christians are to be like God, not Caesar.

Jesus Redefines Leadership and Power

Jesus possessed all authority in heaven and on earth, yet He did not use His power selfishly. He used His power to heal, restore, serve, rescue, teach, forgive, and ultimately sacrifice Himself for sinners.

The King of kings washed feet.

The Creator served His creation.

The Lord of glory died for rebels.

Jesus did not come demanding that humanity carry His burden. He came carrying ours.

This is why true greatness is serving others.

Christian men are called to imitate Christ in every sphere of life:

• at work,
• in the home,
• in the church,
• in business,
• in leadership,
• and in government.

Christian employers should serve their employees.
Christian husbands should sacrificially serve their wives and children.
Christian pastors should shepherd rather than dominate.
Christian leaders should use influence to help others flourish rather than promote themselves.

The Christian life is not about climbing over people to reach the top. It is about lowering ourselves so others can be lifted up.

The Sinful Desire for Recognition

Yet if we are honest, much of our flesh still wants to be Caesar more than Jesus.

Pomp lives in our churches.
Pomp lives in our businesses.
Pomp lives in our homes.
Pomp lives in politics and leadership.

People constantly crave recognition and reward for their performance. We want to be noticed, praised, admired, followed, and elevated above others.

But God alone deserves worship.

He alone created the universe.
He alone sustains life.
He alone became flesh and dwelt among us.
He alone lived perfectly.
He alone died for sinners.
He alone rose victorious over death.

The Christian life therefore becomes a continual dying to self so that Christ may be exalted.

Christians Compete for Last Place

Jesus teaches something radical:
The greatest are not those served by the most people, but those serving the most people.

Christians should continually compete for last place so that God may exalt them rather than men.

This does not mean weakness or passivity. Jesus was the strongest man who ever lived. But His strength was expressed through humility, sacrifice, courage, obedience, and love.

True greatness is not measured by:

• titles,
• followers,
• wealth,
• applause,
• or status.

True greatness is measured by Christlike service.

The Christian should always ask:
“How can I help?”
“How can I carry another’s burden?”
“How can I make someone else’s life better?”
“How can I point people toward Jesus?”

The servant heart of Jesus is meant to flow through every Christian life.

Jesus Must Be Exalted

Jesus said:

“And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.”

The goal of the Christian life is not self-exaltation but Christ-exaltation.

Christians are called to become less so Jesus may become greater in the eyes of the world. We serve so people can see Him. We sacrifice so people can experience Him. We love so people can believe in Him.

And in the end, God highly exalted Jesus Christ to the highest place — the eternal King of kings and Lord of lords.

The way up in God’s Kingdom is always down.

True greatness is serving others because true greatness looks like Jesus.

Run Today’s Play

Today, intentionally choose the lower place.

Serve someone without needing recognition.
Help carry another person’s burden.
Listen more than you speak.
Encourage someone who cannot repay you.
Lead by sacrifice instead of control.

Then ask yourself honestly:
Am I living more like Caesar or more like Jesus?

The world teaches men to seek power for themselves. Jesus teaches men to use their strength for others.

And the man who serves like Jesus becomes truly great in the Kingdom of God.