Can We All be the Best?

So, the Emmys finally happened.  At least that’s what I saw on a headline.  Didn’t watch it myself.  I look at this as a self-congratulatory award system.  Kind of like, Gary Webb was selected as the best pastor at McKendree Faith Church in December of 2023.  There is a small pool of competitors, me, and only 1 voter, me.  The Bible has a similar story.

In Mark chapter 10 verse 35 we find James and John arguing.  They ask Jesus to award them with seats to the left and right of Jesus in heaven.  First, they ignored the other 10 disciples, the thousands of followers, and the long history of prophets, followers, and saints in the Old Testament.  Second, they opted to cut the selection process down to 1 voter, Jesus, who probably was qualified.

He told them two things.  First, “you don’t know what you’re asking”.  The sons of thunder think that their serving time has qualified them for the position.  They believe that no further sacrifices are needed to secure the positions.  Second, “these places belong to those for whom they have been prepared”.  The boys believe that they could walk into the wedding reception and pick their seats.  They tried to bypass the table at the front door where the nametags are stacked with the proper table assignment already in writing.

While he pretty much says that the seats are taken and the boys won’t be there, he doesn’t stop.  He then states what the priority is to “climbing the ladder”.  Whoever wants to be great among the masses must first become a servant among the masses.  If you want to be first, you must treat others as if they are first.  This is a difficult concept for most of us.  We are willing to serve, but not necessarily at our own cost. 

Your task is to find that gift you have received and find a way to apply that gift without any expectation of award.  Both elements are a challenge for sure.  But my suggestion is to start simple.