Take ten chickens, any ten. Put them in a pen together, and spread a little chicken feed. Soon you will witness something an amazing. In a matter of minutes, the chickens, previously strangers, will form a hierarchy based on dominance or, in everyday language, they will establish a Pecking Order.  Instinctively, they will determine, through a series of skirmishes, who the Number One chicken will be; then the Number Two; the Number Three; all the way down to the unlucky Number Ten chicken. Much is at stake in this dance of domination. Chicken Number One pecks at and intimidates Chicken Number Two, without experiencing any kind of retribution from Chicken Number Two. Chicken Number Two will take it from Chicken Number One but will turn around and peck away at Chicken Number Three, who will in turn, take out its frustration on Chicken Number Four. The Pecking Order continues all the way down to Chicken Number Ten, who, needless to say, has a pretty miserable life, he is pecked, but has no one to peck.

We all have the tendency to look at others in terms of their profession, education, wardrobe, cars, homes, and subconsciously we fit them into the Pecking Order.
So, what’s the problem? It’s natural. Every time the disciples tried to set up a Pecking Order, Jesus rebuked them and taught them they needed to be servants. “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” (Mark 9:35).  A true leader serves those under his responsibility and does not cause undue hardship to them by exercising his authority over them, and by revelation and grace he helps bring out their individual gifts and talents.

Refrain from indulging in the pecking order and see every person as someone who Jesus Christ has died for and it doesn’t matter what they have been called to do or what their position is in our society, we all have a plan and purpose to achieve.  God loves you as much as he loves me and he loves me as much as he loves you.  One is not greater than the other regardless if you are a street cleaner or a pastor of a 10,000 member congregation.  God doesn’t favor any one more than the other.  We are all important to him and the same blood that has saved you has also saved the worst sinner.

Do you want to be great in the eyes of God?  Serve mankind.  Jesus told us that God will honor those who serve (John 12:26).  Jesus Christ is sitting at the right hand of his Father because he came to this earth not only to save but to serve.  Follow the Lord’s example and don’t let opportunities to serve pass you by and may the God of all peace reward you and bless you for having a servant heart.