As we grow in our walk with Jesus and mature in our Christian faith, there are many "ah ha" moments we will have along the way. It is supposed to be this way as Christianity is not a religion; it is a relationship. The more we strive to grow in our relationship with Christ, the more we long to know Him. To know Him, we take the steps necessary to learn, grow closer and emulate.
We cannot accomplish this without engaging with Him. Granted, you can't pick up the phone and call Him or friend Him on facebook but there are real and practical things you can do. One is to start is with His Word. That's correct. Grab the Bible. Go to the New Testament and you can actually find where Jesus speaks directly to you and I. It is pretty powerful stuff. He also makes references to Old Testament text. That is step three: study. What about step two, you ask? That's explained in step one but I'll give you a spoiler; it's prayer.
As a Christian grows in their faith and knowledge, there seems to be a common, albeit basic, truth - a fundamental principle rooted deep in what it means to be a true follower of Christ - that gets lost or forgotten. Maybe as we grow, we tend to think it is more important to impart our knowledge in other ways. Maybe we "feel" we have outgrown a stage in our Christian development. Maybe we have learned so much that we no longer understand how to reconcile it.
Let me ask you a question? Do you strive to be a leader in your church or organization? Isn't it so cool to be recognized as the head of a committee? In charge of finance? All the women's activities go through you and you do an amazing job. People refer to you as, "a Church Leader." What about in your job? Is it important to be promoted to a role that has "manager" or "supervisor" in the title? What about "director" or "Chief Operating" or "managing" and let's not forget "lead". Is it about leading people? Is it about making the rules or setting policies? How about setting examples? Thinking for those who may not be so inclined to think for themselves? Maybe you have worked so hard and you just want the opportunity to be recognized for all the work you have done. You have so many great ideas and you want the chance to share those ideas with everyone; to show how great things can be. After all, your way is a great way and you know a lot.
The King James Translation of the Bible, did you know, the word, "leader" is only mentioned six (6) times? SIX TIMES in the entire Bible. WOW! Blew me away. (this is not including "King" and references as such.) On the other hand, the word, "servant" is mentioned 900 times. Now granted, these numbers may be off a bit but the stark difference between the two gives a CLEAR indication on which is more important.
I searched the Bible several times and read numerous passages on serving, being a servant, serving others, the importance of serving, putting others first, the heart of a servant and related passages. Christ, Himself, came to serve not to be served and that alone is proof that if we are to be walking in the footsteps of our Lord, tells us what we are supposed to be doing.
Please do not get me wrong. The Bible has a lot to say about leadership. In fact, leaders are to serve:
“But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.” Matthew 20:26
“But it is not this way with you, but the one who is the greatest among you must become like the youngest, and the leader like the servant.” Luke 22:26
“You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him.” John 13:13-17
What a Godly influence we would have on the world if all of us not only remembered but practiced one of the most basic fundamental tenants of our faith - servitude. The Bible tells us to, "serve one another humbly in love."
I strongly encourage you, wherever you are on your walk with Jesus, to spend time, learning how you can serve others. We are equipped with gifts to do just that. When we strive to serve others, no matter where we are or what we do in life, no matter what our title is, we will find leadership finds us. Strive to be of value in God's kingdom not in the eyes of man and you will reap rewards greater than you could ever imagine. The Bible clearly tells us how to accomplish this. You cannot do it when your heart is full of longing for titles, power and yourself.
Comments