Mark 9:35 And he sat down, and called the twelve, and saith unto them, If any man desire to be first, the same shall be last of all, and servant of all.

The American work ethic, study hard, work hard, get ahead; I am sure you have heard that. What Jesus is saying here flies in the face of what we have been told. Or does it?

Jesus is talking about service not work. Did you think they are the same thing? Once again we must re-examine our worldly definition in the light of Kingdom living. How God differs in call to service and call to work are not as the world would have you think. Begin with the motivation and see how they differ. In Mark 9:35 the motivation is being first. First at what?

In verse 34 we learn that they were disputing over who would have the greatest reputation, a legacy of works which would find a place in history. They wanted to be remembered. That’s a worldly viewpoint which they did not wish to admit to Jesus, which was also stated in verse 34.

Jesus was right in pointing out that if you want to be remembered by man, you must do something to move man’s heart, to serve their needs. But what if you want to be remembered by God the Father? Is it not reasonable to think that you should serve God? But how can I, man, serve God?

Romans 12:1 I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.

God works through you by obedience of faith. It is God who works and God who gets the glory. Motivation of the heart is everything in both service and works.

1 Peter 2:12 Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.

Words are all I have here. Words are all I have on facebook. Words are all I have at church, sometimes. More and more I communicate via e-mail and texting. The written word is the most easily misconstrued form of communication. We have no control over how a person might interpret our meaning. Being honest is vital. The more important the message, the more clarity is required.

Some of the people that read this message I have never met. I might never meet them. If my words have any effect at all, it isn’t within my control. God has visited you and revealed Himself. I can only put to words those things which I see and hear. Only God can make them real.

John 1:1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.

Just words, only God can make it real for you.