When have you put aside ambition and worldly glory for a higher purpose? Where have you found “greatness” in service and self-giving? In what ways do you “imitate” Christ?

What were they thinking? The obtuseness of the sons of Zebedee in this story from Mark still galls from a distance of 20 centuries. They seem so proud and cocksure in asking for seats of honor in the glory to come.

Toward the end of the last century management expert Robert Greenleaf initiated the modern servant leadership movement bent on reforming the authoritarian business management model.

Jim Heskett of Harvard Business School writes that in 2013 he attended a board meeting at ServiceMaster, a major corporation that sells cleaning materials and services. Heskett recalls that ServiceMaster CEO William Pollard, spilled a cup of coffee prior to the start of the board meeting.

Scripture today will speak of approaching the throne of God not in fear but confidently to receive mercy and find grace to help us. With that hope we turn to God to ask forgiveness.

I personally measure success in terms of the contributions an individual makes to her or his fellow human beings.