If I asked you what it takes to be successful in life, what would you say? Hard work? Education? A great idea?
While all of those may play a role, the Bible points to something far simpler, and far more unexpected.
Serving Others.
That sounds backward, doesn’t it? Isn’t success about finally being served, not serving?
Well, when two of Jesus’ disciples asked for the highest positions in His Kingdom, Jesus didn’t rebuke their desire to be great. Instead, He asked if they were willing to pay the cost that greatness required.
Then He said:
“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all.”
(Mark 10:43–44 NIV)
Completely opposite of how most people think. But what does serving actually look like today?
If you look closely at people we call “successful,” you’ll notice a pattern. They are serving something valuable to others. They’re solving a problem, meeting a need, or offering something useful, and in return, they receive honor, influence, and often financial reward.
It’s a principle we can also see in nature. A tree isn’t valued because it exists, but because it produces fruit. People care for it, seek it out, and benefit from it because of what it gives.
In the same way, when you serve the fruit God placed inside you, value follows.
So if you want to be successful, what can you begin serving? The wise believer doesn’t chase recognition; they serve faithfully and trust God for the growth.
