But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.
But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave.
For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Matthew 20: 25-28
During COVID, government authorities passed mandates to wear masks in public, practice social distancing, banned church gatherings, to remain in doors while they did what? Ate out at restaurants without masks, smoked cigars outside while they laughed at the masses being told what to do – and it worked.
You saw it. The hypocrisy was infuriating…until you read this first verse. The rulers in this world lord it over their people and officials flaunt their authority over those under them.
Hot dog – Jesus nails this on the head. That is exactly what the authorities do. They say you can’t do something and then they do exactly that – in front of us.
Before we get carried away here, I want to point the finger myself. Why?
I realized I do this with my kids.
How many times have I told them NOT to pick their nose? Then I do it later that day…
Or not to eat any more chocolate because it isn’t good for them… and then I sneak a bite and when caught I say I didn’t get any.
Shame on me!! Even though it is not as serious, it is hypocrisy and the exact same deal that destroys trust, confidence, and respect my children have for my authority.
I am working on being consistent and not being a hypocrite with my family first.
On leadership, what Jesus reveals is that in order to be a leader one must become a servant. To be first you have to be last – a slave.
If you’ve had anyone in your life who was a solid leader – a parent, coach, boy scout leader, etc. what made them someone you wanted to follow? Did they care for you and help you with preparation? With the equipment/tools/pointers on how to get better? They were serving you! And when they are genuine in their help to you, you want to do your best!
I think this is the mark of a true leader – that people want to follow that person.
If we want to be a true, solid leader, we must serve others genuinely.
Best way to serve others is to love them!
Do they need help with a door? Open it with a smile!
Does that mom with her 3 kids in tow at Trader Joe’s need help with that empty cart? Yes! Grab it for her.
Have some extra money this week? When you’re out at a restaurant and ask God to show you someone that you can bless by paying their bill. Don’t tell them its from you but that it’s from Jesus and that He loves you with all His heart.
No one on your team volunteers to do that data entry task that needs to get done – get after it. Back your team up.
You represent Jesus. And Jesus is awesome – so we will be awesome like our Jesus is.
Your brother in the trenches,
David
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