Choosing to shun the spotlight.

by Caroline S. Cooper

Many years ago, I attended my first Christian women’s conference at a local concert venue. We worshipped, listened to presentations by popular women speakers, and enjoyed fellowship with other Christian women. As I drove home from the event, I reflected on my growing writing and speaking ministry. I could do this, I told myself. I could be a Christian speaker. I would love to teach thousands of people about God.

That dream did not come to pass. My once-upon-a-time desire for popularity and prestige was not part of God’s plan. Even now, grandiose questions can enter my mind: Why won’t God open the door for me to have a national spotlight and a worldwide ministry? Shouldn’t I be doing more with the gifts God has given me?

I have learned to acknowledge these thoughts, set them aside, and turn my mind back to Jesus. He set the example of how to serve in love and humility.

When we love God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength and love others as ourselves (Mark 12:29-31), we will be content to humbly minister to others in the unique way God has called us. This can be a handful of hurting people or a stadium filled with worshippers. God has given me joy and fulfillment in the work I am doing for Him. I don’t need a spotlight or a global stage. I simply need Jesus.

Desire for humility

Mark reveals in his Gospel that Jesus’ disciples were not immune to this desire for greatness.

Then James and John, the sons of Zebedee, came to Him, saying, “Teacher, we want You to do for us whatever we ask.” And He said to them, “What do you want Me to do for you?” They said to Him, “Grant us that we may sit, one on Your right hand and the other on Your left, in Your glory” (10:35-37).

In Matthew’s version of this event, or possibly on a separate occasion, the mother of James and John asked Jesus to place her sons in these positions of power (20:20, 21).

Jesus’ response revealed a radically different mindset from that of the world. In both Gospel accounts, Jesus first informed James and John that, although they wanted to follow in His footsteps, they were not ready to do so. He then told the disciples, “Whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:44, 45).

In Jesus’ kingdom, then, the desire must be for humility, not greatness.

Humble Servant

Jesus did not expect His disciples to do anything He was not willing to do Himself. When He performed His first public ministry at the wedding in Cana, Jesus did so at His mother’s request. After she explained the situation to Him, He responded by saying His time had not come.

But Jesus agreed to His mother’s request, revealing His servant heart. Six large stone jars, or waterpots, were filled to the brim with water. Jesus miraculously transformed the water into wine, but He did so in secret, without calling attention to His actions. Only the servants knew what had happened.

Although Jesus told those He healed early in His ministry to keep His identity secret, word began to spread about His power. His growing popularity drew the attention of the religious leaders. Matthew writes, “Then the Pharisees went out and plotted against Him, how they might destroy Him. But when Jesus knew it, He withdrew from there. And great multitudes followed Him, and He healed them all” (Matthew 12:14, 15).

Even as threats against Him began to escalate, Jesus healed them all. He did not turn anyone away. He did not stop healing when His feet got tired or His tummy growled with hunger. He responded to people’s needs as a humble servant, showing them unconditional love and kindness.

Ultimate act of service

Throughout His ministry, Jesus did many great things, but not for attention. At His last Passover meal the day before His arrest, Jesus gathered with His disciples behind closed doors. Then the Lord of the universe knelt before each of these men and washed their feet. He once again took the role of a servant by performing this dirty, messy, smelly job for those He had called to follow Him.

Washing feet was an example He expected them to follow. He told them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:16, 17, emphasis added). Later in the evening, Jesus re-emphasized this important teaching (15:20).

Our call to serve

I am grateful that God taught me the true meaning of service. Yes, I still have prideful thoughts and lofty goals for my life, but I’ve learned God’s plan will always be better than I can imagine.

Humility is essential for living as a servant. Jesus, the greatest servant of all, has called us to serve. As His followers, let us strive to be like Him.