Where Real Significance Is Found

“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:28 (NLT)

The happiest people are those who give their lives away.

That’s because the values of God’s kingdom are opposite of the world’s values. In God’s kingdom, the most important person takes last place and serves everyone else. The Bible says it like this: “Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant” (Matthew 20:26 NLT).

That’s why, to grow spiritually as a disciple of Jesus, I've got to learn to serve others. Life isn’t about taking; it’s about giving back.

The key to happiness is to find significance.

But the problem is, we look for significance in all the wrong places. Success doesn’t give significance because I can always find somebody who is more successful than myself. Salary doesn’t give me significance, and neither does status or sex.

So where can I find real significance? Through service.

God wants me to learn to serve so I can be like him. The most miserable people are self-centered—living for their own pleasures, needs, and comfort. The happiest people, whether they are rich or poor, are those who give their lives away in service to others.

In summary:

True happiness and significance come not from success, status, or possessions but from serving others, just as Jesus did. In God’s kingdom, greatness is defined by humility and service, not by power or position. Jesus modeled this perfectly, saying He came “not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Serving others is spiritual exercise—it strengthens my faith, deepens my character, and aligns my heart with God’s. When I choose to give rather than take, I grow to be more like Jesus and discover the lasting joy that comes from a life of selfless service.

Our model for this is Jesus. He said, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28 NLT). He came to “serve” and to “give.” That defines the Christian life. The more I learn to serve and give, the happier I'm going to be. 

In a way, service is like spiritual exercise. Just like physical exercise helps me grow strong physically, serving others helps me grow spiritually. I can’t spend all my time studying the Bible and listening to sermons. I have to put what I'm learning into practice by serving others.

Jesus said it like this: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24 NIV). 

When I follow that command, I'll find happiness and significance. And, most importantly, I'll become more like Jesus.

Bottom Line:

Lasting happiness and true significance come from serving others, just as Jesus did.

Next Steps:

Look for a specific, meaningful way to serve someone this week—especially in an area aligned with my purpose and calling. Don’t wait for a big platform or perfect timing; start where I am. Service, even in small acts, shapes character, deepens joy, and moves me closer to the impact I'm meant to make.