Hunkered Down Devotion

Mark 10:43 (NIV)
43 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant,

If someone asked me to pick a single verse that wasn’t about salvation but described the heart of what it means to live as a Christian – well, I would want more time, and more verses, but – I think this verse would ultimately be the verse that I would choose.  Those four short and simple words that form the first sentence of that verse say and mean so much: Not so with you.

There is a way the world works, but we are called to a different path: Not so with you.  The world says to always put ourselves first, no matter what.  The life of faith we are call to says: Not so with you.  The world says that the only way to get ahead is to do ‘whatever it takes’, but our God says: Not so with you.  The world says we are only responsible for ourselves, but Jesus says: Not so with you.  

The world says if someone hits you, hit them back, but Jesus says: Not so with you.  The world says ‘what’s in it for me?’, but God says: Not so with you.  At every turn the world has a response that centers our wants, our desires, that says all that matters in life is getting what we want and taking care of ourselves, but our God and our creator says simply: Not so with you.

We are told that true greatness lies not in pursuing our own gains, but in serving others.  Not only are we told that this is the way, but in and through Jesus Christ we are shown that this is the way.  When we are tempted to believe in the way of the world, we only need to look at Jesus and remember: Not so with you.

Sharing God’s Love,
Chip  

Prayer:  Lord, help us to not follow the ways of the world, but instead follow you.  Amen.