Mark 9:33-35 -- On Greatness and Love

"And he came to Capernaum: and being in the house he asked them, What was it that ye disputed among yourselves by the way?
But they held their peace: for by the way they had disputed among themselves, who should be the greatest.
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."
Mark 9:33-35


This is a really important lesson about how to become great. Greatness isn't found in power or position or even in skill or talent, but in service and lifting up other people. Bringing joy to others is the greatest work, and that is God's work, and what he is striving to do for all of us, if we will accept him and allow him to gather us. :)

Part of bringing joy is delighting individuals, but I think most of it is in building and sustaining communities where we can learn to lift and help each other and find joy in our interactions. It is the same idea as Proverbs 27:17: "Iron sharpeneth iron; so a man sharpeneth the countenance of his friend." ... We perfect each other as we live and interact and learn to navigate relationships with friends and family as well as people outside those circles. Life is literally our classroom as we learn from God how to love.