Servant Leadership Spreads

Servant Leadership Spreads

Genesis 18: ⁶ So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, “Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.” ⁷ And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. ⁸ So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate.

 

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With excitement, Abraham ran into the tent to get her help in serving JESUS and the two angels. He was probably elated that GOD had come back, this time with angels. He enlisted the help of a young man to barbeque a young calf he chose. This must have taken hours.

 

My Observations:

• Abraham’s excitement led him to enlist his wife and a young man to cook a meal.
• Abraham gathered the best food he had to give to the LORD and the angels.
• Abraham acted as a waiter, setting the food before the LORD and the angels, standing there waiting on their needs.

 

Instead of telling people to bring him food, Abraham brought the food out and actively participated in the preparation of the meal. He probably did the washing of the feet himself as he promised earlier. Sarah and the young man probably could not help becoming excited after seeing Abraham’s face.

 

GOD had visited Abraham before, but only to deliver short messages. But this time seemed different. HE was willing to visit for hours. Everyone in the household could see who Abraham had conversations with over the years. This may have solidified their faith in GOD versus their faith in Abraham.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD use words like “hurried” and “quickly” and “hastened” when describing the event to Moses?
• Has GOD ever spoken to you and you got so excited that you wanted the help from others?
• Are you willing to spread your excitement about GOD to others today?

Willing Leader

Willing Leader

1 Peter 5: I, who am an elder myself, appeal to the church elders among you. I am a witness of Christ's sufferings, and I will share in the glory that will be revealed. I appeal to you ² to be shepherds of the flock that God gave you and to take care of it willingly, as God wants you to, and not unwillingly. Do your work, not for mere pay, but from a real desire to serve. ³ Do not try to rule over those who have been put in your care, but be examples to the flock. ⁴ And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the glorious crown which will never lose its brightness.

 

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“We’re giving you a couple of people to manage” were the exciting words I wanted to hear in my young career. I did so with vim and vigor! But over time I got more and more responsibility. Soon I had an entire department. “Do you want more people?” they asked. I was reluctant.

 

• I knew how difficult it was to manage people.
• I knew the troubles I would face because I had led people for years.
• Leadership was not what I thought it would be.

 

Peter appealed to church elders, or leaders within a given gathering of believers of JESUS. He gave his personal testimony of how he witnessed the sufferings of CHRIST. He also told everyone that he would share in the glory once JESUS returns. But then he turns to an appeal to “willingly” be a servant leader. He probably did this because he knew how hard leadership was.

 

My Observations:

• GOD wants me to willingly lead selfish, unruly people to a place of peace.
• GOD wants me to humble myself to be a servant leader.
• JESUS is the “Chief Shepherd” who will give me a crown that will not lose its brightness.

 

Many people think leadership is easy until he or she has to do so. I mean, I had plenty of complaints about what leaders were doing or not doing, until I had to be one. Then I realized, I could not be all things to all people. What was I to do? GOD had a remedy.

 

HE placed me and other leaders on a path that serves others. This is a different leadership style that leverages influence over coercion. Servant leaders wants people to grow up to become servant leaders so they provide the example of how to follow CHRIST to the best of his or her abilities. I am glad GOD gives me a flock to serve.

 

Challenge

• Why does the writer appeal to the church elders to lead “willingly?”
• Have you ever worked for someone who hated his or her job?
• If you are in leadership for CHRIST, will you consider “willingly” serving those who may be difficult to serve so they can see your example and turn to CHRIST someday?

Harvest List

Harvest List

1 Timothy 5: ⁹ Do not add any widow to the list of widows unless she is over sixty years of age. In addition, she must have been married only once ( or faithful to her husband. )  ¹⁰ and have a reputation for good deeds: a woman who brought up her children well, received strangers in her home, performed humble duties for other Christians, helped people in trouble, and devoted herself to doing good.

 

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After working hard during my second year at the company, I felt pretty good this time. In the first year I received an “average” rating, though I felt I did more than average. I worked hard the next year and received a higher rating, but there were those who received the highest honor in the company. I got jealous.

 

• I wanted to be recognized for my hard work.
• I got jealous of those who were recognized at the highest levels.
• I questioned, pouted and sneered at not getting the highest award.

 

Paul continues to provide advice to Timothy on how to care for widows. He tells Timothy to make a special list for those who have done service to the LORD practically all of her life. She would be obvious because she would have sown “good’ seeds into many lives and now it was her turn to reap a harvest.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to treat everyone with respect, but HE has a special list of those who serve HIM with all their heart.
• There are some people who have served the LORD well and need to reap a wonderful harvest.
• Service to the LORD is not a competition, rather it is done from the heart and will get its rewards from the LORD.

 

Taking care of those who have spent their lives taking care of others seems important to the LORD. I mean, there are some who seem to make service to the LORD so easy because it is natural and genuine. GOD sees their service and wants to pour out an abundance of thanks.

 

HE holds a special place in HIS heart for widows who have committed themselves to HIS service all their lives. No wavering, just service. These are not perfect people, rather faithful in all they do. I gladly honor those who have served the LORD faithfully.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think the writer speaks bout “the list?”
• Have you ever seen someone who has been a consistent servant to the LORD, year after year after year?
• Will you recognize a widow or someone who comes to mind, who has dedicated their life to the LORD and has served HIM well so she or he may receive a harvest in this life and the next?

An Excellent Work

 

An Excellent Work

1 Timothy 3: This is a true saying: If a man is eager to be a church leader, he desires an excellent work. ² A church leader must be without fault; he must have only one wife,^[a] be sober, self-controlled, and orderly; he must welcome strangers in his home; he must be able to teach; ³ he must not be a drunkard or a violent man, but gentle and peaceful; he must not love money; ⁴ he must be able to manage his own family well and make his children obey him with all respect. ⁵ For if a man does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of the church of God? ⁶ He must be mature in the faith, so that he will not swell up with pride and be condemned, as the Devil was. ⁷ He should be a man who is respected by the people outside the church, so that he will not be disgraced and fall into the Devil's trap.

 

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Desiring to be the top leader in my field, at the company, I took steps to get the title. I went to leadership classes, speaking classes and refined the way I carried myself. I knew perception was important, so I hung out with the higher-ups as often as I could.

 

• I never once thought leading a church would be more important than a corporate pursuit.
• I judged preachers and pastors at a higher standard.
• I wondered if preachers and pastors wanted to be “excellent.”

 

Paul gave Timothy a method of vetting out a church leader. He was probably addressing a problem with “motive.” He gave a list of qualities that would narrow down the list. He also gave a stern warning that required more observation, namely watching those who would not easily be swelled up with pride and those who loved their community so they would not fall into the Devil’s trap.

 

My Observations

• Church leadership should not be taken lightly by me or anyone else.
• My motives for leading should always be vetted out by the LORD.
• Anyone can be tempted by the Devil with pride, money, violence, drunkenness and mismanagement of the family or community.

 

Desiring excellence for GOD may lead me to say, “maybe not me right now.” I mean if I am mismanaging my family or doing anything else on this list, I may not be the right fit for leading. BUT GOD has a plan for everyone.

 

HE does not look at titles the way humans do. JESUS is the only High Priest. HE allows some people to teach a group of people about our LORD and Savior JESUS, but the reward is the same, namely eternal life. Any crown earned here on earth will be casted at JESUS. I am glad GOD included me in HIS plan no matter the role.

 

Challenge

• What sticks out to you about this list and why?
• Why do you think the writer was concerned enough to send a warning?
• Will you seek to serve the LORD with the excellence you put into your other pursuits today?

Untitled

Untitled

1 Thessalonians 5: ¹² We beg you, our friends, to pay proper respect to those who work among you, who guide and instruct you in the Christian life. ¹³ Treat them with the greatest respect and love because of the work they do. Be at peace among yourselves.

 

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Sitting in a conference room freshly out of college, a person walked in and everyone stood up. I did not know what was going on, so I stood up too. They shook hands and when he left said “Don’t you know who that was?” I didn’t.

 

Months later, I was “in charge” of an assignment. I walked into the room and no one paid me any attention. I started doing the work and got a grievance filed against me for doing the work.

 

• I was furious that I was not recognized for my title.
• I wanted the same level of respect as that other guy who had a title.
• I later made the mistake of treating people with titles different than people without titles

 

Paul, Silas and Timothy begged people to treat those called by GOD, to speak on HIS behalf, with respect. These people were often looked down on and murmured against. They implored the people to not only recognize them as servants of the Most High GOD, but to treat them with the highest respect as a way to get them to think opposite of disrespect.

 

My Observations

• GOD is the only being who deserves the utmost respect from me.
• GOD wants me to treat all HIS children with the highest respect.
• Titles should not blind me into providing respect, rather I should give it to those who are looked down on, forgotten and lack power.

 

Seeking titles to gain respect may not be the best path. I mean, when I wanted a title so I could “help others” I found myself having to change for the worst because of that title and I could not “help” people the way I envisioned. GOD, on the other hand, wants servants who do not want HIS title.

 

Servants of GOD point their lives to HIM and want HIM to be know and exalted. In the process of speaking about HIM, their lives diminish. Other believers in JESUS must recognize the important message being told by those GOD has chosen as HIS speakers. I gladly give the highest respect to those who place GOD above all and are servants at heart.

 

Challenge

• Are the writers speaking of a hierarchy type of respect or honorable?
• Have you ever seen a servant who treated everyone with respect, regardless of his or her title?
• Will you treat everyone with respect, especially those who do not have titles, so they can be recognized by using their GOD given gifts for the LORD today?

Heart Repair

Heart Repair

Philippians 1: From Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus—

To all God's people in Philippi who are in union with Christ Jesus, including the church leaders and helpers:

 

² May God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ give you grace and peace.

 

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Just getting a job was my heart’s desire at one point. But after a period of working, it was not enough. I needed to move up in the company. The pay, while good at one point, was now not enough. The work seemed repetitive and the people wore me down. “Why do they always listen to that guy?” was my complaint.

 

• I was discontent
• I wanted more.
• I lost my thankfulness.

 

Paul and Timothy send greetings to everyone through a letter to the Philippians. The title they gave themselves was that of a “servant.”  Their desire was to bless everyone with grace and peace that only came from GOD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to trade in my need to be on top to that of being on the bottom.
• GOD wants me to desire more for others than myself.
• GOD wants me to value being a servant more than being served.

 

Serving people is GOD’s highest honor. I mean, when I serve someone, the hole in my heart gets filled. Unfortunately, when I am serving people for my own personal gain, then it can wear on me, causing me to be discontent. I long for something else “better” than the role I am playing at the moment.

 

BUT GOD has a remedy. HE makes me a servant wherever I am. HE guides my mindset to giving others the best, knowing I am adding to a huge “reward” account HE is storing up for me. HE changes my view of something negative into seeing that I  am serving others because HE wants me to. I am glad GOD guides me to those HE wants me to serve.

 

Challenge

• What stands out to you in this opening greeting from the writers?
• Have you ever felt discontent even when your prayers have been answered?
• Will you receive GOD’s grace and peace today by taking a deep breath and serving others without expectations so HE will fill your heart with overflowing thanksgiving?

Servant Leadership

Servant Leadership

2 Corinthians 6: ³ We do not want anyone to find fault with our work, so we try not to put obstacles in anyone's way. ⁴ Instead, in everything we do we show that we are God's servants by patiently enduring troubles, hardships, and difficulties. ⁵ We have been beaten, jailed, and mobbed; we have been overworked and have gone without sleep or food. ⁶ By our purity, knowledge, patience, and kindness we have shown ourselves to be God's servants—by the Holy Spirit, by our true love, ⁷ by our message of truth, and by the power of God. We have righteousness as our weapon, both to attack and to defend ourselves.

 

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Tired of bullies and being a goody, goody, I decided to get into body building. This way I could be attractive and be ready to fight. The bigger I got, the more I realized there was always a bully who was bigger and stronger than me. I was preparing to fight the wrong battle.

 

• I wanted to overcome frustrations by venting or fighting.
• I wanted to fulfil my lusts.
• I wanted to be seen as a strong leader based on the world’s definition.

 

Paul describes a life that is less desirable to many. It is a life dedicated to GOD’s service. He mentions that he was beaten, jailed, mobbed, sleepless and starving all for the sake of being a servant of GOD.

 

My Observations

• GOD wants me to patiently endure troubles, hardships and difficulties.
• GOD wants me to focus on purity, knowledge, patience and kindness to be HIS example.
• GOD wants me to show the love of the HOLY SPIRIT with the message of truth.

 

Being a pushover is not where GOD wants me. I mean, HE doesn’t want me gullible or unwise. HE knows the ways of the world require that I understand it, but not follow it. GOD’s kingdom is the only kingdom worth building.

 

HE loves when I surrender parts of my life solely for HIS purpose. HE then gives me HIS righteousness to attack injustice with peace and fight bullying, whether passive or overt, with love and truth. I gladly take on being a servant of GOD so HE may bring many back to HIS kingdom.

 

Challenge

• Have you ever viewed your hardship, difficulty or trouble as the ministry GOD wants you to use as your ministry?
• What do you notice about what the writer went through?
• As a child, were you ever scared to do something so you asked an adult to help you?
• Will you be that adult to someone and share how GOD is keeping your trial today?

Serve and Protect

Serve and Protect

Acts 20: ²⁵ “Now I know that none of you among whom I have gone about preaching the kingdom will ever see me again. ²⁶ Therefore, I declare to you today that I am innocent of the blood of any of you. ²⁷ For I have not hesitated to proclaim to you the whole will of God. ²⁸ Keep watch over yourselves and all the flock of which the Holy Spirit has made you overseers. Be shepherds of the church of God, which he bought with his own blood. ²⁹ I know that after I leave, savage wolves will come in among you and will not spare the flock. ³⁰ Even from your own number men will arise and distort the truth in order to draw away disciples after them. ³¹ So be on your guard! Remember that for three years I never stopped warning each of you night and day with tears.

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After attending the leadership class, I thought I was ready to lead the department. I mean, I learned skills on how to work with other’s nicely and how to value the opinions of one another.

When the budget meeting came up, the other department leaders acted like voracious wolves, stopping at nothing to get more money and people. “Wait, I thought we were supposed to be nice. Maybe I should be tough like them”

• There were times when I misinterpreted what a leader should be.
• There were times when I thought a leader was supposed to build “a” truth for themselves.
• There were times when I considered lying to others, sabotaging others or protecting “my” ideas so “I” could get credit or noticed.

Paul was making a final plea to the leaders he summoned to meet with. He knew he was called to a place where he might be jailed or killed for speaking about JESUS as LORD and Savior. He gave explicit directions and warnings to the leaders on how to truly lead.

• GOD wants me to serve others by guarding my own heart with HIS word.
• GOD wants me to protect HIS flock by explaining JESUS died for all, and those who believe in the need for salvation will be saved through HIM.
• GOD wants me to watch out for those who will claim to be leaders of the flock, but are really out to protect their status or wallet.

Leading GOD’s people can only be done in Spirit and truth. Unfortunately, there will be many who distort the truth for their convenience. BUT GOD has a remedy. HE revealed just enough of HIS Word for anyone who desires to get to know HIM, to follow.

HE sent the HOLY SPIRIT to open my heart and the hearts of those who truly want to follow HIM, to follow the examples of JESUS, knowing HE is the only one who gave HIS “hands” and “feet” on the cross. I am grateful JESUS was and is willing to be the leader of my life.

• Are you a leader?
• Do you blame leaders?
• Will you listen to GOD and become a leader who serves others and protects them with HIS word and the leading of the HOLY SPIRIT today?

Servant Leadership

Mark 12: ³⁸ Then He said to them in His teaching, “Beware of the scribes, who desire to go around in long robes, love greetings in the marketplaces,³⁹ the best seats in the synagogues, and the best places at feasts, ⁴⁰ who devour widows’ houses, and for a pretense make long prayers. These will receive greater condemnation.”

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“Keep this confidential” they said as they handed me tickets to the island. All expenses were paid as a perk for doing such a good job leading a large team. “I could get used to this” I thought to myself.

• There have been times when I had the best.
• There have been times when my title made me feel like something special.
• There have been times when wanting first class upgrades seemed innocent.

Long robes, long titles and long prayers were not the problems JESUS was pointing out. HE was addressing a deeper problem, namely desire. The church leaders JESUS was talking to desired to be called by a title and have a wonderful office in the building they were trying to protect. This was theirs and annual celebrations would be bigger than any celebration of GOD.

• JESUS says to me “I want you to feed MY lambs.”
• JESUS says to me “I want you to tend MY sheep.”
• JESUS says to me “I want you to feed MY sheep.”

GOD’s concern is for everyone and HE needs some to serve others. The greater responsibility is to serve, not to be served. Not everyone is called to serve, but for those HE calls HE wants them to serve as HE served. GOD wants me to be a servant leader.

• Are you mad at GOD when the rich and powerful seem to get their way?
• Do you want your way to be in a “better” place?
• Can you ask GOD how HE wants you to serve others today?