Text: Matthew 20:20-28
Memory verse:
“nor as being Lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock;”
I Peter 5:3 NKJV
There are so many who are called leaders today but who don’t have leadership qualities. In contrast, there are people who have no leadership recognition yet are leaders. Leadership is not by title, position, label or age.
This is what our great leader, Jesus Christ, teaches in our text today. “But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles Lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave—” (Matt 20:25-27).
In other words, whoever wants to be a leader must serve. Greatness comes from serving and not from being served. Service makes you great. It is not the magnitude of people who serve you that determines the level of your greatness but the magnitude of the people you are serving. Service puts you in the first position. This is the concept of servant leadership which Jesus demonstrated.
Servant leaders serve their gifts, talents, skills and experience for the development of the kingdom of God and the good of mankind. This leadership has more to do with releasing oneself.
Leadership in the world is about exercising authority. People who have force of will, who are extroverts, who are explosive speakers are associated with leadership. They believe that the authoritarian, no nonsense, impatient and the moody personality are good leaders (Titus 1:7; 2:7; 1 Pet 5:3;)
In contrast, servant leadership lead by influence, inspiration and motivation. It is leadership by example.
Friends, age or qualification is not a qualification for true leadership (1 Tim 4:12). Start now to use what you have to serve. You can serve at home, at school, in your neighborhood, in your office and in your church. Be a person of true influence.
Prayer points
1. Father, please, purge my mind of every wrong idea of leadership which I received by tradition in Jesus name.
2. Father, please, help me to serve my gifts, talents and skills at home, in the church and wherever You lead me in Jesus name.
Today’s declarations
1. My greatness is determined, not by the number of people who serve me but the number of the people I serve.
2. I am a true leader, if people follow me, because my life and example inspire, influence and motivate them.
Contact: pastor@thf.org.ng