(The following is the February 24 devotional from my Next Step Devotions book. Before reading it, I suggest you read Mark 10 and pay close attention to verses 35-45.)
People in leadership positions differ in their exercise of authority. Some let it go to their heads and lord it over others insensitively. Fortunately, other leaders in powerful positions treat people under them with great care and respect. True servant leaders stand out in any organization. Their people love them because they care for those they lead, are not afraid of getting their hands dirty doing everyday tasks, and treat people more like peers than subordinates.
James and John showed their ambition when they requested to sit at Jesus’ right and left when he came into his kingdom. The other disciples were indignant when they heard this (possibly because they wanted that position themselves). Jesus responded by acknowledging the abuse of power that some exercise, adding, “Whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (vv. 43-45).
Being Christians does not give us the right to consider ourselves superior to anyone. Just because we are children of the King or hold respected positions in his church does not mean we get to be pampered princes and princesses. Jesus came to serve and give his life for others. If we are to be like him, we will also be servants caring more about others than ourselves.
Organizations of all sizes need structures that invest varying degrees of authority with different roles. Regardless of the position one holds, Christians should serve and focus on others’ needs. This servant attitude is more pleasing to Christ and ultimately more beneficial for everyone concerned.
Next Step:
Identify positions of service in your church that seem menial or uninviting to many. Learn more about those tasks and the people who do them. Offer to assist in that capacity for a day, asking God to shape your heart into the servant he desires you to be. Show appreciation to those serving in roles that often go unnoticed.
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