Follow the exemple of Jesus

Thursday 20 May 2021

Follow the example of Jesus

If anyone wants to be the first, he will be the last of all and the servant of all. Mark 9.35

Born in 1912 in Elberfeld, Germany, Günter Wand only rose to fame in the last years of his life. Although he was a remarkable conductor, he spent most of his career in the shadow of more conspicuous and prestigious musicians. He confessed himself : "I am not a star."

Instead, Wand worked in provincial positions in Europe, and people gradually noticed that he was a man with an uncompromising dedication to excellence. He once said : "I consider myself a sincere servant of the works of great composers." He believed that his role as a conductor was "to serve the music" and believed that "vanity is a vice".

When he died in 2002 (aged 90), an obituary described Wand as "the last of the great performers in the true tradition of the 19th century." People had to admit that "his demise marked the end of a style of musical directing that no longer exists today."

“Seek to serve others. Be faithful to God’s calling, and focus on his kingdom.”

Many people around the world, including many Christians, are focused on the care they receive. In fact, the disciples of Jesus argued among themselves as to which was the greatest ; but Jesus said that if we are to be great, we must serve and not worry about receiving attention. Like Günter Wand in the music business, we must be eager to serve others and stay true to the tasks given to us.

Today, follow Jesus' example and make it your goal to become a servant in whatever you do. Seek to serve others, in your home, your job, your church, and your environment. Be faithful to God’s call and focus on his kingdom.

A prayer for today

Father, forgive me for any pride in my life. Help me to keep a servant spirit in everything I do. I want to serve you. I want to devote my time, my talent and everything I have to you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

John Roos

Source (The Thought of the Day)