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)

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.

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.