Theme of the Week: Servant Leadership
Bible Verse: “Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:37-40 NLT
Scripture Reading: Matthew 25:31–40; Luke 4:14–21; Ephesians 6:7–8
Our motivation in Christ-like servant leadership must be motivated by the right thing. We need to be moved more by what Jesus wants than by what others think. If we only serve for the eyes or attention of people, we end up being people-pleasers instead of Jesus-pleasing servants. If we realize we are serving Christ when we serve others, it will (nearly) automatically clean up our motives. Working for Jesus also helps us be less “picky” about “who” we help and “when” we help.
But let’s be honest, there are some places we’d rather serve than others. When we get picky about the people or places we are called to serve, let’s try to remember how Jesus modeled servanthood. He loved everybody; He served everybody. Here’s a short list of some of the different kinds of people and places Jesus served…
- Jews, Gentiles, Samaritans, Romans, men, women, the poor, the rich, friends, strangers, supporters, oppressors, small groups, large crowds, adults, children, His own disciples, His own family…and eventually every sinner in the whole world
- Jesus served in the mountains, in the fields, in the desert, in a boat, in a synagogue, in a home, in His hometown, outside His hometown, in small villages, in a big city, in loud parties, in prayerful solitude…and eventually on a bloody cross
The range of people and places where Jesus was able to serve was astounding. Most of us are quick to find “our people” and “our comfort zone” and then content to stay there. Jesus was different – prejudice never got in the way of serving. He saw all people as worthy of help and hope – whether they could return the favor or not.
Every day, we all get “serve moments”. Serving opportunities that have an expiry date; don’t waste them. When the moment passes, it’s just gone. Choose to roll up your sleeves and help out. No, we can’t help everybody, but all Christians should be in the business of helping somebody. Servant leadership means we see and seize these serve moments.
Prayer: Father, help me take advantage of each serve moment you give me. Help me to see these opportunities and not look away. Help me to not be picky about these moments you provide but to be faithful to serve where you need me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Reflection: Start looking for these serve moments. Are there people or places you have avoided that could be opportunities for serving? Start with your family and make certain you don’t neglect serving at home. Are you willing to serve anyone, anywhere?
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