Serving Before Leading
Mark 10:42-45 (NLT) “So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 43 But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45 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.”
Have you ever applied for a job position and the interviewers ask a question like this: “Can you give us an example of what you’ve previously done that demonstrates you are the right person for this position?” In other words, they want to know if you have any experience? Have you done the work before? Have you worked in the field prior to applying for this position? Have you answered the phone to help others with their questions or needs?
The quickest way to get promoted in any area is to serve at a lower level first and demonstrate your competency at that level. Jesus was explaining this principle to His disciplines. Two of his disciples just ask Jesus if they could be either on the right side or left side of Jesus when He establishes His kingdom. Jesus immediately told them that they didn’t know what they were asking. Then He began to explain the rules of leadership in God’s kingdom.
Being a Christian is about loving and serving others without grumbling or complaints. You willingly have a desire to help and serve someone else because that is the Agape love you have towards others. Jesus was very clear about leadership.
Matthew 23:11 (NLT) “The greatest among you must be a servant. “
You must be a servant first because God can use you in leadership. Serving others keeps your human character in check. It is difficult to have pride while you are serving others. At the beginning of each day, ask the Lord who can you help that day? Whoever that person is, let your paths cross so that you can offer whatever help they need. If you are sincere, God will hear your prayer, and your path will cross by someone who needs your help. Stay humble and serve.
Be Blessed
Ron
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