Matthew 20:26-27(KJV)
But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; and whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.
After Jesus told His disciples in private of His impending death and resurrection, the mother of James and John came to Jesus and requested that her sons sit at Jesus’ right and left hands in His Kingdom. Jesus said to His disciples anyone who wants to be first must be the very last and the servant of all. That is, there’s a place of honor for those who voluntarily set themselves aside to attend to others’ needs. According to Jesus, sacrificial service is the mark of faithful leadership. To further emphasize the role and importance of service in Christianity, Jesus told His disciples in John 13:13-15, “Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.” Jesus’ leadership principles emphasize fellowship, service, humility, obedience, and loyalty. Ministry is service and stewardship; it is the call of God in our lives. We serve as messengers, carrying out God’s orders to reconcile man back to God. And this requires our hearts and undying devotion to Him. We serve Him best by serving others. The lower we bend, the closer we are to Him.
In God’s Kingdom, leading people is equivalent to serving people. Unlike the earthly system, the Kingdom of God operates by different standards. For example, the first must be the last and servant of all, the way to live is to die, and the way to receive is to give. The uniform teaching of the Word of God is against self-seeking, self-projection, self-exaltation, needless ambition, and pride in life. Philippians 2:7-8 says, “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” When Jesus visited earth in the form of a servant, He showed that the Hand of God is not too big for the little person in the world. However, in life and ministry, many would like to show that they are in charge, even though they are not managers or headmen. They want to be the ones making decisions, running a parallel government to their superiors. Such people are involved in every divisive and rebellious scheme witnessed in the Church and society. These operate through charismatic witchcraft, entangled in very clever mind control. They want to be recognized and honored first and above others. It is their suggestion or nothing else. As children of God, struggling and manipulating our way to gain greatness over others is ungodly. Our mentality should always say that our purpose on this earth is to serve God.
Beloved, you can’t find greatness in position, being in charge, power, wealth, or commanding others. Instead, serving is the path to greatness. So, be determined to serve and help others. Give of your time, energy, resources, and yourself. Be committed to God for a successful servant, trust that God is in charge, and obey His Word. There can be no quality leadership without quality service. Until you have served successfully, you cannot lead effectively. Outstanding leadership begins with conforming to the image of Christ in humility and love. Never bribe your way to success, cut corners to reach the top, and defy all Christian ethics contrary to the Word of God. Let your name never be mentioned anywhere that you cheated your way to success. Never take ungodly steps to achieve the desired position, thereby losing the Presence and favor of God. Do not be trapped in the web of comparison, dissatisfaction, strife, job, or titles. Discover who you are in Christ and accept your primary responsibility in the Kingdom. Learn to be submissive in service and followership. Above all, do it wholeheartedly, not as a master but as a servant of God. The right time to serve is NOW, and the right place to be of service is WHERE YOU ARE. You don’t have to go halfway around the world to find people in need. All you have to do is look at the person next to you. Remember, a faithful servant will always abound with blessings, but looking for popularity and human respect will only have that as a reward. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.
O LORD, grant me the grace to continually live a life of service to You and others as a good follower in Jesus’ Name.