Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

Matthew 20:26-28

The world's formula for success is to get ahead by pushing past others, acquiring power, and demanding to be served. Our hurried lives are often a product of this mindset, as we rush to achieve, to be noticed, and to be "right." But Jesus introduces a completely different, "upside-down" way of living. He tells his followers that greatness in His kingdom is not found at the top of a corporate ladder, but at the bottom, in a position of service. He himself provides the ultimate example of this truth. The Christmas story is the beginning of this reversal of worldly values, where the King of Kings enters the world not with a parade, but in a humble manger.

Jesus’s entire life was a living testament to this principle. He didn't come to be served; He came to serve. He washed the feet of his disciples, a task reserved for the lowest servant, and ultimately gave his life as a ransom for all. This radical act of selfless giving is the antidote to the hustle and anxiety of the holiday season. When we prioritize getting ahead, we get caught in a cycle of hurry and stress. But when we intentionally choose to serve, we step into the unhurried peace of Christ's example.

This is a powerful challenge for us today. What if we inverted our priorities? What if, instead of focusing on what we can get or what we can accomplish, we centered our day on serving others? This could be a small act of kindness, or a deliberate choice to set aside our own agenda to help someone else. This "upside-down" way of living frees us from the pressure to perform and reminds us that true purpose and peace are found in following the servant King.

Intentionally invert one of your normal priorities today to put serving a family member or coworker first.

Questions for Reflection

1. What is a normal priority or task for you today that you can set aside to serve someone else?

2. How might the act of humbly serving another person "unhurry" your mind and change your perspective on the day?

3. Giving is better than receiving. What is one way you can find joy in a humble act of giving today, without expecting anything in return?