The world we live in has one clear message: Climb. Push. Win. You hear it everywhere—“Do whatever it takes to rise to the top. It’s all about getting yours.” That message is loud, bold, and appealing. But it’s also shallow. It leaves behind a trail of broken relationships, crushed dreams, and empty souls.

But let me hit you with a truth that will flip your mindset: True greatness doesn’t come from climbing over people; it comes from serving them.

Let’s break this down. You see, the way of the world is about “me first.” But the way of the Gospel is about putting “others first.” It’s an upside-down kingdom, where the least are the greatest and the last are first.

The World’s Definition of Greatness

In the world’s system, greatness is defined by how high you can go—your title, your bank account, the size of your house, and how many people answer to you. It’s a game of competition, where your value is based on how you measure up to others.

We’ve all heard the stories of people clawing their way to the top: stepping on others, cutting corners, or sacrificing family and faith for success. The world calls that ambition.

But here’s the kicker: what the world celebrates often leaves people empty. They may achieve “greatness” on the outside, but inside, they’re burnt out, lonely, and searching for more.

The Gospel’s Definition of Greatness

Now, here’s the quote that changes everything:

“The way of greatness in the world is to rise up, to climb higher by any means, often at the expense of others. But the way of the gospel is altogether different: it is to go low, to become the least, the servant of all, honoring others above yourself and considering them greater.”

That’s a truth bomb right there. It’s not about how many people serve you; it’s about how many people you serve.

In Mark 10:43-45, Jesus lays it down:

“Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

Think about that. The King of Kings, the One with all the power in the universe, didn’t come demanding a throne. He came with a towel, washing feet. He came to serve, to heal, to love, and to lay down His life.

Servanthood: The Real Path to Greatness

Here’s what separates worldly ambition from godly greatness: servanthood.

In Philippians 2:3-4, Paul writes:

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

That’s the heart of the upside-down kingdom. It’s not about how much you gain; it’s about how much you give. It’s not about lifting yourself up; it’s about lifting others.

This mindset shift changes everything. You stop asking, “What’s in it for me?” and start asking, “How can I bless someone else?” You stop chasing titles and start chasing impact.

Living the Upside-Down Kingdom

Let’s get real. Living this way isn’t easy. Serving others means sacrifice. It means swallowing your pride, letting go of entitlement, and sometimes doing things that go unnoticed or unappreciated.

But here’s the truth: The rewards of serving far outweigh the cost.

When you live to serve, you gain something the world can’t offer:

1. Fulfillment: Nothing compares to knowing you’ve made a difference in someone’s life.

2. Legacy: People don’t remember how big your house was or how much you made—they remember how you made them feel.

3. God’s Approval: When you serve others, you’re walking in the footsteps of Jesus Himself.

Matthew 23:11 says it plainly:

“The greatest among you will be your servant.”

Choose Greatness

Let me leave you with this: the world’s path to greatness leads to a dead end. It’s temporary, fleeting, and unfulfilling. But the Gospel’s path to greatness? It leads to eternal impact, deep joy, and the heart of God.

So today, choose to go low. Choose to serve. Choose to honor others above yourself. Because in the upside-down kingdom, the way down is the way up.

Remember this: True greatness isn’t found at the top of a mountain—it’s found at the feet of those you serve.

Now go. Live it. Be great in the way that truly matters.

—Joshua L Mullins