There is only one Life-Leader for you and them—Christ. Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty. [Matthew 23:11-13 MSG]
In the context of the bad examples that religious leaders set, Jesus switches gears.
He instructs his followers to serve in the context of humility.
I love how The Message interprets humility as being content to be yourself.
Much has been made in recent years about being a "servant leader".
Interesting to note that Jesus does not tell them to be leaders at all.
He tells them to be content by simply being servants.
Wanting to be a leader can sometimes cause you to be the exact opposite of a servant.
And when you serve to become 'something' you become more like a Pharisee than a servant.
Better to serve with no motive other than just being yourself.
Jesus tells his disciples, and us, that the path to leadership is humility.
Being a servant is all about humility - simply being yourself.
Brother Lawrence, a 17th century monk, is reported to have once once said this:
Is it not quicker and easier just to do our common business wholly for the love of him?I think that the words 'common business' speak a bit to what it means to be humble.
Many of us want our works to be special and extraordinary.
Lawrence says that our work is special and extraordinary when it is done unto the Lord.
Help me Lord to be me. Help me to serve in a way that reflects You in me.
... this devotion is part of the Red Letters series. Click here to read more.
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