Serving Others: The Path to True Greatness
When it comes to achieving success, many of us focus on our own ambitions and goals. But what if the key to greatness lies not in seeking power or wealth, but in serving others?
A Lesson from a Business Leader
I once had the opportunity to meet with Jack Eckerd, the founder of one of America’s largest retail drugstore chains. As we discussed his journey to success, I asked him the question that many of us want to ask wealthy individuals: “How did you do it?” His response surprised me. Instead of attributing his success to hard work or luck, he said that he focused on making others rich. By giving his employees incentives to acquire stock in the company, he had turned many stock clerks into millionaires. His philosophy was simple: if you spend your life helping others succeed, you won’t have to worry about becoming successful yourself.
The Spiritual Parallel
This approach to leadership is rooted in a deeper spiritual truth. As Mark 10:43-45 reminds us, “Whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.” Jesus himself did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. In the same way, when we focus on serving others, we align ourselves with God’s will.
A Shift in Focus
As I reflected on Jack Eckerd’s words, I realized that I had been spending too much time on myself and not enough time pursuing God and serving others. I wrote a prayer, confessing my self-centeredness and asking God to transform me:
“Dear God, help me to put you first, others second, and myself last. Help me to serve you more, be more aware and responsive to the needs of others, while trusting you to meet my needs in a way that glorifies you.”
A Call to Action
May this be your prayer as well. Let us shift our focus from our own ambitions to serving others, and trust that God will meet our needs in the process. As we do, we will find true greatness, not in our own success, but in the lives we touch and the glory we bring to God.
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