Chief in the Kingdom

 Matt 20:26,27

...But whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister. And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
Most people don’t like to be around bossy people. We respect leaders who are willing to lead by example. As I went through leadership training to become a school principal, this was one of the key principles that we were taught. There are times when a leader has to step up and make difficult decisions that are not popular, but they are done with the intention to better the school and community. Unfortunately, those who reach the top of the ladder are often tempted to allow the power of authority to take control of their personal aspirations and selfish desires. Seeking to be the “Chief” or the one who commands authority, must be done with humility of spirit, and recognition that they are there to lead and serve, and not to command or serve their own selfish interest. Aspiring to be at the top in the work of the kingdom, one must have a servant's heart. Jesus, our great example, washed the feet of the disciples, and laid down His life a ransom to save the world. Having a servant’s heart applies to all who are followers of Jesus, not just those who are gifted at leading. Being willing to clean the church, take food to a family in need, go visit someone who needs encouragement, help the elderly who are no longer able to help themselves, the list goes on. Your service may never be seen by others or may never be recognized, but Jesus sees your act of love and service. When the time comes to stand before God, He will say, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant: you have been faithful over a few things. I will make you ruler over many things: enter into the joy of thy Lord” (Matthew 25:21)

A New Commandment

 John 13:34
A new commandment I give unto you: that ye love one another, as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.

Making His way to the last supper, Jesus had a basin of water ready. He took the basin and went to each of his disciples and started to wash their feet. The Master and Lord of all, the Creator of man, was on His hands and knees at the feet of His followers washing their feet. Peter was horrified that someone as honorable and great as Jesus would stoop down to be a servant and do what the work of the lower class of people in society normally did. I can imagine Peter’s thinking, “Hold on Jesus, this is beneath your dignity, you are the Messiah, the Son of God, I should be washing your feet.” Jesus, who loved His disciples, rebuked Peter, and explained to Peter why it was important that He wash their feet. The washing of feet is not given as a commandment from Jesus, it was done to demonstrate what it looks like to serve and love others. The commandment that Jesus gave was that the disciples were to have a servant’s heart, and love one another. Jesus demonstrated His love for them by washing their feet. To love as Jesus loved is an act of the will, and not a feeling or emotion. Showing love is not always preceded by a feeling and a desire to act. It is motivated by the knowledge that it is the right thing to do. It is the Love of Christ that controls our actions and the things we do. His love that dwells in our heart sets in motion how to act and love in a way that pleases Him. Real love that comes from God is not pretentious, or done grudgingly, it is made possible because the Holy Spirit dwells in our heart, and His Spirit compels us to love.

Ambition to Serve

 Mark 10:44
… Whoever would be first among you must be a servant of all.

Ambition is a good trait to have. Setting goals and discipling yourself to work toward those goals. But Jesus warned us about having ambitions that were totally self centered. James and John had ambitions to be seated next to Him when Jesus set up His kingdom. They had ambitions to be in charge, to have power over others. Power is one of the P’s that destroy the soul. Along with pleasures of this world, pride of Life, and prosperity. History tells the story of those who sought power to rule kingdoms and nations. Such ambitions never come to a good end. Being a ruler or leader is not an easy task when it also requires being a servant. You must be able to take charge, have vision, know how to delegate, and be willing to listen to others. A good leader will demonstrate leadership by being an example of what needs to be done. Pauls says, “Follow me, as I follow Christ.” Jesus, the Son of God, lived a life of servanthood, and made the ultimate sacrifice by giving His life that we might be saved. Ambition to be like Jesus, to serve others, and be a servant of all is not done by human efforts. It requires a daily submission to God and His will and purposes. “All of my ambitions, hopes and plans I surrender these into your hands.” from the hymn, Jesus, All for Jesus, should be the prayer of our heart. Let us walk carefully, that we keep our ambitions in the center of God’s will.

Good Reputation

Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

A good reputation is characterized by the good things people think of us. We mean what we say, and we say what we mean. Honest in business, and the willingness to treat others fairly.  A bad reputation is determine by the negative opinion that others have of us, normally based on the deeds and actions we do. The habits we form in life are seen by others, which form an opinion that can leave a good or bad reputation of our character. Making yourself of no reputation is to do what is right regardless what others may think of you. Jesus sat and ate with the Publicans, had no regard to his reputation. He was a friend to sinners, making himself of no reputation to the religious leaders of that day. It is important that we guard our reputation, but what others think of us should not hinder us from doing what is right. People may not always understand, but God who knows the heart, is pleased. Don’t worry what man thinks of you, but be concern what God thinks of you. We should always seek a good reputation in the sight of God.

Prayer is Always in Order

Nehemiah 1:11 O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper…

In time of crisis, praying for God’s intervention is always in order. Nehemiah was facing a situation of dire need. The walls and gates of Jerusalem were in ruins, and it appear that all efforts to build the walls again was being resisted. Nehemiah realized that all that had befallen Israel was because they failed to obey God’s commandments, yet he beseeched God to have mercy and once again come to their aid. How often do we come short and need to fall on our knees and ask God to once again rescue us. God has the power to keep us from falling, but the devil is mean and shows no mercy. It is possible to fall from the favor of God, but it is not God’s desire that we be cast away. “If any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father..” Such is the prayer of Nehemiah, “I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy”. Prayer is always in order, and never inappropriate or a waste of time. Let us make prayer a priority in everything we do.

A Servant's Heart

Luke:22:27 For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

The culture of this world has define greatness by a person’s power, position, and possessions. Jesus set the record straight. It is not the person who has risen to the top of their class that defines greatness. If given a choice, most people would choose to be rich, famous and be served at a voice command.  The attitude of servanthood goes contrary to human nature. No one like being told what to do and how to do it. It goes against our nature. We want to have control over our own life.  Jesus asked the question, is it better to serve or be served? He concludes that His purpose in coming to this world was to serve. The Son of God, the most powerful being known to man washing the feet of sinful man. Being a true servant is a choice. Serving out of duty or obligation is not the attitude of someone who has a servant’s heart. Living takes on different priorities when we seek to serve others. Looking for opportunities, and being willing to sacrifice time and comfort to help others in need. 

A Good Reputation

Phil 2:7 But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men:

We value a good reputation. We want people to think well of us. A good name is well guarded from being destroyed. There is good reason to maintain a good reputation among others. Our reputation influences our witness for Christ. It is the perception that others have of us. But our reputation is not who we are. What people think of us does not constitute our character. Following the example of Christ in the way He lived may require us to lay down our reputation and lay down our pride and be what He wants us to be. Jesus was not concern about being great in this world. He came to earth for a purpose, He came to give His life for you and for me, He came to show us how to live a life that is free from the opinions of men. How to walk this life’s journey, living a life of servanthood and humility. As the worldly mind, strives to climb the heights of power and popularity, the mind of Christ seeks not to be seen, but to serve.

Servant of All

Mark 10:44 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all.

To be a leader, one must be willing to be led. The kingdom of God is design to be a servanthood citizenship. To be part of this kingdom, one must be willing to put aside their ego and self importance and bend down to “wash the feet” of others. Being great in the kingdom of God is not rising to the top of power and executing orders. Order is part of God’s kingdom, and many things are accomplish when we follow the order of command, but the work of God is accomplished when all in the chain of command are willing to be servants. “Ask of no man anything that you are not willing to do yourself”. Power, prestige, and popularity are all subject to the will of God and willingness to forsake it all to follow Jesus in the way. The way of servanthood and obedience is to follow the call of God to serve others.

The Mind Set of Jesus

Phil 2:5.8 “ Let this mind be in you, which was also in Christ Jesus,… He humbled Himself and became obedient unto death—even the death of the cross.”-

The mind set of Jesus was always on serving others. He, who is the Son of God became human flesh to serve and die for humanity’s sins. The mind of Christ is to seek the will of the Father, to humbly submit to the needs of others, preferring others before self. This radical mind set is foreign to the philosophy of the world that promotes self gratification and self importance. Seeking to make a name, to make it to the top, climbing the ladder of power and popularity. Such is the mind of this world. Followers of Christ, that have the mind of Christ have picked up the cross, crucifying the flesh with all of its sinful desires that they may serve God and others as obedient servants of God. 

Profitable Servant

Philemon 1:11 “ In time past he was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me..”-

A profitable servant of God is one who is a positive influence for the cause of Christ. He has purpose and will invest his life to see the kingdom of God on earth. A profitable person has an attitude that is positive and optimistic. They are not a burden, but rather willing and wanting to give an extra hand to help carry the load. They are not dead weight in the church having to be catered to and served. They find ways to help others who are in need without always being ask. One cannot be profitable if they are always taking and not giving. They don’t drain the resources of God’s people with petty problems. Being profitable to the work of God happens when we are willing to put our wants aside and reach out to others in need.

Leadership

1 Kings 12:7 “If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them and answer them and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever.”-

The greatest of all leaders are those who are willing to lead by example. There are many skills that a leader must have if people are going to follow. A leader must have a vision, they must be able to know how to delegate, and to motivate. But a true leader is a servant leader who is not afraid to get their hands dirty. A leader understands how to relate to those who follow them. They know how to empathize because they have been there. A leader speaks with confidence, yet is kind in speech, encouraging others to press on and not give up. Jesus is our greatest example of what a leader should be. He lived a servant’s life, giving His life as a ransom for others. Because He was willing die for us, we follow Him gladly and willing. 

What is Greatness?

Mark 10:43-44 “But so shall it not be among you: but whosoever will be great among you shall be your minister,  and whosoever of you would be the chiefest shall be servant of all.”- 

The world views greatness when one achieves power, prosperity, popularity or political favor. This is evident in a culture where people are idolized for the feat that they accomplish. Whether it be in music, sports, or in Hollywood, man without God has a twisted view of greatness. In the eyes of God, what is greatness? It is a rare occasion in our media culture that a person is recognized for their selfless giving and holy desire to serve others. The Christian world view sees things through the eyes of Jesus. What does he have to say about true greatness? In spite of wanting to achieve success and a measure of greatness, such aspiration are only truly obtain when we humble ourselves before God and give of our best to the master by serving and giving to help others in time of need. Always willing to give rather than to receive.

Job, God’s Servant

Job 1:1-13, 19-22

It is speculated that Job lived before the time of Egypt captivity. He may have even been alive before or during the time of Abraham. Since Job makes no reference to the laws of God given on Mt Sinai, It is safe to say that his knowledge of God was based on his family’s upbringing of the one true God. Job was taught to fear God, abstain from evil, and to always do right. Job lived a prosperous and successful life. Like Abraham, who God blesses, Job was a wealthy man who honored God with his substance. He was a servant of God who understood that he was a steward of God’s earth. The test of Job’s servanthood and devotion to God had not yet come. It is Satan’s desire to cause man to fall and fail, but God desires that men’s faith grow stronger by trusting and giving all things into the hand of God.

Character of Job- (upright. vs.1)
• He was a man of righteousness- like Noah
• Fear of God is the beginning of wisdom
Cumulation of Wealth- (greatest. vs.3)
• Are riches a sign of God’s blessings?
• The love of money is the root of all evils.
Continual Sacrifice- (continually vs.5)
• Job concern about his family spiritual condition
• Burnt sacrifice- Christ died once and for all.
Coming to the Lord- (Satan came vs.6)
• Sons of God- to give an account
• Satan comes with evil motives
• Like a lion seeking whom he can devour.
Consider Job- (hast thou consider vs.8)
• Putting Job to the test
• God’s faith in Job’s integrity
Curse Predicted- (he will curse thee vs. 11)
• The hedges of God- What are they?
• Accuser of the brethren- Why do we serve Him?
Consent of God- (all he has vs. 12)
• Nothing can happen without the permission of God
Calamity Hits- (they are dead vs. 19)
• The storms of life will test are resolve
• Why bad things happen to good People
Charged not God- (nor charged God foolishly vs. 22)
• Job’s determination to serve, remain a servant of God
• Full consecration to the God’s will without bitterness.