"But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant (Mt. 23:11 KJV)."
How can one who is great serve? Let's look at the word greatest. Translated from Greek to English, it literally means larger in age, or older. Now let's look at the word servant. This word is translated as one who attends to menial duties, especially Christian teachers, pastors, deacons, or ministers.
Allow me to paraphrase this verse. "But he who is older shall become your teacher, your pastor, your deacon, or your minister." This puts the idea of the servant in this verse into a different perspective.
We often associate the word minister (noun) with a preacher or pastor. What does it mean to minister (verb)? The simple definition of the word minister (verb) is to give aid or service. I will contend that every Christian is called to a life of Christian ministry, to give aid or service.
Acts 1:8 says we will be witnesses of Christ. Witnessing of Christ is Christian ministry. Teaching Sunday School is Christian ministry. Playing music or singing in church services is Christian ministry. The local church soup kitchen is Christian ministry. There are many areas of opportunity for those who are older now to serve in areas of Christian ministry. Speaking words of encouragement to those who are hurting is Christian ministry. I could go on and on.
A life of service is inevitable as we grow older. We are fed as babies. We feed as adults. We spend childhood learning. Though we still learn as adults, we now teach children. Words of encouragement and praise were heaped on us as children. We speak words of encouragement and praise to those around us, both to adults and to children.
Yes, the words of this verse are truth. As we have grown older, we have become servants. It doesn't matter if you're a Christian or not, sometime during the course of this day you will serve someone or something. How will your service be perceived today? Are you a good servant? God bless...
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