Every man wants his life to matter. We want to know that when the dust settles and our time on this earth is done, something about our presence made a difference — that the people around us were better because we showed up. The problem is, the world keeps feeding us the wrong definition of greatness. It tells us greatness is found in position, power, or performance. It’s in how high you climb, how much you earn, or how many people answer to you.
But Jesus flipped that script completely. He showed us that greatness isn’t found in how high you stand — it’s found in how low you’re willing to kneel. Real men don’t chase titles; they chase opportunities to serve. When Jesus met the needs of the broken, He didn’t stop being their Lord — He revealed what real leadership looks like. He wasn’t proving His strength by commanding others; He was displaying it by serving them.
And that’s what’s not being said well to men today. Too many messages aimed at men in the church sound like motivational speeches about success, leadership, and destiny. But the truth of Jesus’ example is simple and radical: leaders are servants first.
Serving is the quiet backbone of real discipleship. It’s what happens when you show up early, stay late, and stand in the gap for someone else. It’s when you put someone else’s needs ahead of your own.
So, if you’ve been wondering how to find real purpose, start here: stop looking for applause and start meeting the need. You’ll discover what Jesus meant when He said, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.”
Serving doesn’t make you less of a man. It makes you more like Christ.
Scripture
“It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be
great among you must be your servant,”
— Matthew 20:26 (ESV)
Jesus said this right after His disciples argued about who was the greatest. Greatness in God’s eyes isn’t measured by how many people serve you but by how many people you serve. The word “servant” here means “one who voluntarily meets the needs of others.” It’s a choice, not a chore.
Application
Servanthood is not a sign of weakness; it’s not someone else’s responsibility; it’s an indication you’re on your way to becoming more like Christ. So, the next time you see a single mom struggling to get her kids into the car after service, lend a hand. If there’s a workday planned to beautify the church landscape, show up. If a senior needs help to move on Saturday morning, put your plans on hold and help out.
The world tells men: “Be strong, be successful, figure it out alone, your feelings define you.” God says: “A real man leads by serving, by taking responsibility, by walking in integrity and by pursuing God above all else.” Your choice today is obvious: which messages will you listen to?
Okay, serving will often inconvenience you. It’ll mess with your schedule, challenge your comfort, and test your motives. You’ll get tired, unrecognized, and sometimes even criticized. But serving is where Christ-like character grows—and humility is where Jesus is most visible.
Men who serve with the heart of Christ change the atmosphere around them. In their homes, it looks like leading through love instead of control. In their workplaces, it seems like integrity when no one’s watching. In their churches, it looks like showing up early, staying late, and doing it all with joy because Jesus did it first.
Today’s Challenge: find your place to serve
Find one opportunity this week to serve someone who can’t repay you. It could be as simple as helping a stranger, mentoring a younger man, or blessing someone quietly. Make it your mission to live like the greatest man who ever lived—Jesus Christ.
Then pray this:
“Lord, thank You for showing me what greatness looks like. Help me lead with humility, love with purpose, and serve with joy. When I’m tempted to look for recognition, remind me You’re watching. Use my life to reflect Yours. Amen.”
Final Thought
The world respects power; heaven honors humility. You weren’t created just to exist—you were called to serve.
When men start serving instead of competing, families heal. Churches thrive. Communities change. And the world sees Jesus—not just in what we say, but in what we do.
This week’s step: Serve someone this week in a way that costs you something—time, pride, or comfort. Then step back and watch how God multiplies a single act of humble obedience into eternal impact.
Snag this PRINT-friendly version for your next men’s breakfast or Bible study.
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