The Principle of Christian Service
The language of selfishness and self-service is: I will be first; I will be above all; I will rule; men shall look up to me; I will have great riches; I am better than you; you shall serve me. The principle of the Gospel is: God and my brethren first; willing to occupy the humblest position; more willing to serve than to rule; not looking for honor or preferment; seeking the kingdom of God rather than riches; in honor preferring one another; more anxious to serve than to be served. This is the teaching of Christ—more, it is the life of Christ; and it will be the mighty actuating principle in the lives of those whom He accounts worthy to be His. He told His disciples that the lords and rulers of the Gentiles exercised authority over them. “But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you, shall be your minister: and whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 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: 42-45. Service, whole-hearted and unreserved, is the badge of true Christianity. Self, wherever it comes in, is the rift that spoils the flute, the flaw that spoils the diamond, the bar that keeps out heaven.