God's Glory Church

“Who among you wants to be great, let him be your servant.” — Mark 10:43

Actress Nichelle Nichols is best known for her role as Lieutenant Uhura in the Star Trek series. Landing this role was a major achievement for Nichols. She turned out to be one of the first African-American women in a major television project. But she had an even more significant achievement ahead of her.

After the first season, Nichols wanted to leave Star Trek and return to the theater. But Martin Luther King met her and asked her not to go. According to him, African-Americans were first shown on television as intelligent people capable of anything, including space flight. Playing the role of lieutenant, Nichols showed black women and children what they could become.

This incident reminds me of how James and John asked Jesus to give them the main positions in His Kingdom (Mark 10:37). What an achievement it would be to obtain these places! In response, Jesus not only showed the brothers what difficult trials are associated with their request (vv. 38-40), but also called them to higher goals: “Whoever wants to be great among you, let him be your servant” (v. 43). His disciples must not only aspire to great achievements, but, like Himself, use these achievements to serve others (v. 45).

Nichelle Nichols stayed on Star Trek for the greater good she could bring to African Americans. Therefore, we will also use our position to serve others in the Name of Christ.

What are your personal and career goals? How can you serve people right now?

Lord Jesus, show me how I can use my position to serve others.

Author: Sheridan Voysey |