Caption: Lead Through Your Service Text : Luke 22:24-27 Luk 22:24 Also a dispute arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Luk 22:25 Jesus said to them, The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. Luk 22:26 But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. Luk 22:27 For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. As Jesus sat with His disciples to have the last supper, a dispute arose among the disciples as to which of them will be the greatest. This question that brought about the dispute is not one that is far from us in these recent times. It is a question we sometimes ask ourselves individually. It is asked in our homes, in our schools, our work places, in government, in organizations, and even in our churches or ministries where we fellowship. All over the world this question is being asked. As this question which led to the dispute among the disciples was asked, Jesus had to come in to calm situations down. I believe it was not a fight-kind of dispute, rather, I believe it was an argument or suggestion-kind of dispute where everyone would like his suggestion to be taken into consideration. Jesus made it known to them that it was something the kings Gentiles used to lord over them, and this is something that is found in todays world; status and leadership is something most people in authority use to lord over the people under them. Jesus was drawing their attentions from the worldly and wrong way of leadership to the right and best way. Jesus drew their attentions to the fact that the greatest among them should be the youngest and rule like the one who serves. In other words, the ruler or leader should have the heart and attitude of a servant, who is always ready to lead by his examples not by propounding theories or rules and regulations. The best leadership style is not the type where the leader instructs, stand there and watch the followers do the work or carry out the assignment. Simply put, its not the type where the leader leads by giving commands and instructions for others to follow. Rather, it is the type where there leader leads by setting examples for the followers to watch and follow. The best style of leadership is not by authoritative means but through service. Leadership itself is not seen in the status or position. It is seen in the service. Service is the best form of training. Service provides the individual with an experiential training. It provides one with the opportunity and platform to learn experientially and practically as well as providing the individual with the qualities and skills he or she would need in the area of leadership. With all these things Jesus was trying to drawing the disciples attentions to, He wasnt talking about abstract things-He was drawing their attentions to His way of life, His style of leadership where though He was a leader, He always made sure He served His disciples(John 13:1-17) Mat 20:26 Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, Mat 20:27 and whoever wants to be first must be your slave-- Mat 20:28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. Mat 23:11 The greatest among you will be your servant. If today, you and I find ourselves in any place of authority or leadership, let us seek to use our leadership qualities to serve and set godly and examples for others to follow. This is what the Lords expects of us. The worlds system of leadership is different from that of those of us who belong to the Kingdom. Worldly leaders are often s arrogant, selfish(seeking to acquire and hoard wealth with their positions). But among Christians, the leader is to be the one who serves with his life, resources and wealth. In our various areas of leadership, lets not be concerned with wrapping ourselves with our positions or status, rather, lets seek how we can serve, impact and affect lives with the skills and qualities we possess and the positions in which we find ourselves. The best way we can lead and rule is by setting examples through service. Jesus used His authority and leadership to serve, heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out evil spirits, provide for the needy and helpless, to show care and compassion and to rebuke people and correct them whenever they went the wrong way. He has left us the greatest and the best legacy we are to pattern our lives and follow. How are you affecting and impacting lives in where God has placed you and with the grace, qualities, wealth, gifts, resources and skills He has given you? Above all, let us seek to know Christ more and more and seek to walk in His love, for by so doing, we will be able to serve effectively. Without the knowledge of Him and love, we cant serve effectively. Love is the way, the most excellent way to use the resources and gifts He has given us. (1Corinthians 12:31, 13:1-13) Prayer: Lord, I thank You for Your word of truth. May I lay my life down for others just as You have done for me and instructed me to do. May I use everything You have given me to serve others. Help me do everything You want me to do. Just as You work in me to will, I am convinced You will as well work in me to do for Your good pleasure. Help me Jesus. Amen. Seasoned DEVOTIONAL
Posted on: Sat, 25 Jan 2014 12:30:13 +0000
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