In a world obsessed with status, success, and being number one, we often lose sight of what true greatness means. Our society tells us that to be first, we need the finest possessions, the most prestigious titles, or the largest bank accounts. But what if the path to being first is found in putting others before ourselves?
This profound paradox lies at the heart of a transformative message that challenges our conventional understanding of greatness. It’s a perspective that turns our worldly notions upside down and invites us to see life through a different lens—one of love, service, and genuine care for others.
In Mark 9:35-37, Jesus teaches His disciples a counterintuitive lesson:
“He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, ‘Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.’ Then he put a little child among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, ‘Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.'”
In this powerful scene, Jesus uses a child—considered property and of little social value in that era—to illustrate a profound truth about the Kingdom of God. By embracing those society deems least important, we’re actually embracing Christ Himself and, by extension, the Father who sent Him.
This radical redefinition of greatness is exemplified in the story of Freeman Hrabowski, who transformed the University of Maryland Baltimore County from an unremarkable commuter college into an academic powerhouse. His secret? The same formula used by historically Black colleges and universities: making students feel valued, special, and loved.
Hrabowski’s approach echoes the ethos of these institutions, many of which were founded by churches with a mission to educate and uplift. It’s a testament to what can happen when we invest in those society often overlooks or underestimates.
The narrative takes us to a deeply personal account of Pastor Jones coaching a youth sports team. The least-desired players—often from challenging backgrounds—were transformed into an undefeated, tightly-knit unit. This experience taught invaluable lessons about the power of belief, discipline, and love in shaping young lives.
These stories illuminate a profound truth: true greatness isn’t about social status, wealth, or power. It’s about being first in love, first in care, and first in service to others. It’s about reaching down to lift others up, embracing the marginalized, and seeing the inherent worth in every individual—especially those that society often overlooks.
This perspective challenges us to reexamine our priorities and actions:
- Are we first to offer comfort to those in distress?
- Are we first to provide words of encouragement to the hopeless?
- Are we first to support those struggling to make ends meet?
- Are we first to treat the least and the lost with respect and dignity?
- Are we the first to leave our vanity behind and go where others won’t?
Being first in God’s eyes often means being last in the world’s eyes. It means sacrificing our comfort, time, and sometimes our reputation to serve others. It means seeing every person – regardless of their circumstances – as a beloved child of God, worthy of love and respect.
This call to servant leadership isn’t just about helping others but about our spiritual transformation. When we align our hearts and minds with Christ and allow our hands to be moved by God’s love, we begin to experience a different kind of “firstness” that brings deep fulfillment and aligns us with our divine purpose.
The inspiring words of the gospel song “Jesus is the Best Thing” remind us of the source of this transformative love. When we recognize that Jesus is truly the best thing that ever happened to us, we’re compelled to share that love with others. We become conduits of God’s grace, extending the same unconditional acceptance and support we’ve received to those around us.
This challenges us to pray differently:
“God, use my eyes that I might see what you want me to see. God, use my heart that I might feel what you want me to feel. God, use my hands that I might do what you want me to do. Oh, God, just use me.”
It’s a prayer of surrender, asking God to align our perspective, our emotions, and our actions with His will. It acknowledges that true greatness comes not from our own efforts but from allowing God to work through us.
We’re invited to examine our lives as we reflect on this powerful message. Are we striving for the world’s definition of “first place,” or are we seeking to be first in the ways that truly matter to God? Are we using our gifts, resources, and influence to lift others up, or are we focused solely on our own advancement?
The challenge is clear: we must be willing to serve to be truly great. We must be willing to see the value in every person, especially those society often overlooks. We must be willing to get our hands dirty, sacrifice our comfort, and love unconditionally.
In doing so, we may just find ourselves stumbling into true greatness—not because we sought it but because we were faithful in loving and serving others. We may find that in losing ourselves in service to others, we actually find our truest, most fulfilled selves.
As we go forth, let us carry this message in our hearts. Let us strive to be first in love, first in compassion, and first in service. Let us see the world through God’s eyes, valuing each person as a precious child of the Creator. And in doing so, may we discover the profound truth that the path to being indeed first often begins by placing ourselves last.