Today’s Scripture: Luke 22:27
For who is greater, he who sits at the table, or he who serves? Is it not he who sits at the table? Yet I am among you as the One who serves.
During the American Revolution a man in civilian clothes rode past a group of soldiers repairing a small defensive barrier. Their leader was shouting instructions, but making no attempt to help them. Asked by the rider why he didn’t, he retorted with great dignity, “Sir, I am a corporal!” The stranger apologized, dismounted, and proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers. The job done, he turned to the corporal and said, “Mr. Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come and help you again.” It was none other than George Washington.
Leadership is service. We are leaders at various spheres of life; leaders in our homes, to our children, in the workplace, in business or public service. Imagine how great a place the world would be if we all understood and practiced this. One of the banes of human existence is the proliferation of men and women who consider leadership as end in itself, a reward, a throne to be occupied with others at their beck and call. No sir. Not at all. Leadership is a call to service. The resources, honour and respect that accrue to the office of the leader must be attended with a corresponding sense of responsibility; a responsibility for the common good.
Jesus, in our opening text, made this crystal clear. The leader is the one who serves. Jesus did not only teach this, He demonstrated it by laying down His life for us. This is what we must emulate. Husband, serve your wife. Wife, serve your husband. Parents, serve your children. Boss, serve your employees. Head, serve your unit. Leadership implies having the understanding that the welfare of everyone else is your primary concern. It suggests the readiness to give up your rights and entitlements to foster the good of those God has placed under your charge, and the willingness to tell those whom you have been ‘elevated’ to serve the truth, at all times, in gentleness and in love. God is looking for leaders who understand the urgency of service. Will He find you?
Commit yourself to the service of others today. Herein lies your greatness as a leader. History is replete with men and women who gave themselves to the cause of their people, even at the expense of their own lives. Think Lincoln. Think Gandhi. Think Martin Luther King Jr. History will never forget those who served. History will never forget you. Start today, in Jesus name
Memorize & Meditate:
“And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10:44-45
Prayer & Confession:
Thank You Father for the privilege of leadership. Help me to always see it as a means to better serve others. Give me the grace to serve, in Jesus name! Amen.
