Monday, November 9, 2009

Servant Leadership

Focus verses: Mark 10:35-45

The Christian life is not about celebrities and superstars. It is about service to the Kingdom of God.

In this passage, Jesus plainly tells the disciples that self-aggrandizing ambition has no place among His followers. He who would be great must be the servant of all. Merit comes from service, not ladder-climbing.

How different that is from the way our world looks at things. One is expected to be climbing the ladder of success at all times - amassing more and more money - acquiring more and more power and influence. All of those things are useless in the Kingdom of God.

We need to be careful whom we follow. There are multiple teachers in the world. Some of them are truly serious about spreading the Word of God. Others have found a sinecure for lining their pockets.

At one point I was asked my opinion of a particular preacher of a specific denomination. I told the person asking me "There is quite a difference between shepherding a flock and building a resume. Unfortunately, I believe this person is the latter, not the former."

Our airwaves are full of preachers and teachers. Many are faithful servants of Christ -- but unfortunately, some are only building a resume and lining their pockets.

When you hear teaching, lay it up beside the scriptures and test it point by point. If it lines up with the Word of God exactly, it is good teaching. If it deviates - even by just a hair - dismiss it.

Learning is like walking down a path. Jesus said the way is narrow and straight. If you walk a seemingly parallel path that deviates by just one degree from His path, you will eventually be so far away that it requires a massive trek to return.

And did you notice that immediately after the teaching about the narrow way, He cautions about false prophets. The two are nearly inseparable.

Father, God,

Help us to recognize Your servant leaders when we see and hear them. Protect us from falling into the hands of false prophets. Strengthen us for service in Your Kingdom.
In Jesus' most precious name.
Amen.

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