A person cannot be used much of the Lord as long as self and self-interest have first place in the heart and life. The believer’s present pathway is one of self-denial, rejection, suffering and, for some, even death. However, in that coming day those who choose such a path shall experience the glory and joy of reigning with our Lord Jesus Christ (Rom. 8:1717And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together. (Romans 8:17); 2 Tim. 2:1212If we suffer, we shall also reign with him: if we deny him, he also will deny us: (2 Timothy 2:12)).
The subject of personal position one individual being above another too often is in our hearts and minds. The Lord Jesus never sought any place of prominence in this world. He told His disciples that their positions in the kingdom of God were not according to the thoughts of this world, for to be great in the kingdom of God one must take the place of a servant.
Our Lord Jesus Christ was the Servant of God. He served in perfection, tirelessly, day in and day out. What an example He has left for us! Yet how opposite are the thoughts of the natural man.
Being first in this present world does not produce joy. Service for Christ does. “For even the Son of Man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:4545For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many. (Mark 10:45)).
C. E. Lunden