Seemingly, perhaps literally, every bookstore's shelves contain books with
Leader or
Leadership in their title. Blogs with similar titles receive regular publication.
These books and blogs do occasionally attempt to emphasize serving, yet
Serving or
Servant rarely, if ever, appear in their titles. Even those discussing Serving, do so in the context of Leadership.
What is the obsession with Leadership?
Ulysses S. Grant wrote in his memoirs that those who seek leadership should not be leaders. None of the great "Leaders" in the Bible sought Leadership roles, rather responded as a Servant to God and His people.
Jeremiah begged release from his role of serving as a prophet. Because he understood the difficulty and earthly consequences. Jonah tried everything he knew to avoid serving Nineveh by delivering God's message of redemption. God also hand picked David.
Jesus failed to declare himself a “Leader.” In
fact, the Lord Jesus Christ certainly lacked enthusiasm for completing his
final role as a Servant. In fact, he asked for the removal of His final responsibility, if possible (Mk 14:36; Lk 22:42). Despite His anxiety, He continued as a Servant to God the Father and us His people.
The Apostle Paul served as a Leader with the Pharisees in persecuting Christians, including executing Stephen (Acts 8:1-3). As Ulysses S. Grant illustrates, those volunteering for Leadership often, perhaps always, possess wrong motives.
Paul Served God, only upon God's seeking Paul (Acts 9:1-19).
Additionally, when we may contain proper motives, we fail to recognize the responsibility of and persecution from Leadership.
During conversation with Dr. Lanier Burns, Senior Professor of Theology, regarding my Applied Research Project at Seminary, he shared that the desire to seek Leadership arises from our ego and pride. I fully agree. Do you?
Moreover, the desire for seeking Leadership roles in today's society originates in our desire for significance. We seek popularity or exposure and / or to "make a difference." This truth also resides our family and organizations.
Individuals composing organizations also have egos and pride. Egos and pride, like all sin, remain perpetually empty. Organizations, including academia, seek greater significance through their graduates serving as
Leaders instead of
Servants. Egos, pride and significance lead government agencies and donors who supply grants, scholarships and donations to these organizations.
Conversely, the greatest path to significance and "making a difference" resides in seeking to serve others in every situation of every moment of our life. We should care only about our obedience to God and fulfilling His will (Mt 7:21), regardless if any human knows or recognizes us.
God will provide significance in His own time and method. He will contact and direct you according to His will.
"Rick, God knows your name and address, He knows how and where to get ahold of you." ~ DTS Chaplain Bill Bryan
Kent Frieling, President of Feather Petroleum, states, "I never consider myself as a Leader, rather as having responsibility to serve God by serving our customers and employees."
In seeking first God and His Kingdom (Mt. 6:33), our strongest desire rests in loving God and His people (Mt. 22:37-39).
Charles Gibbs epitomizes this in declaring, "My only reputation is with the Holy Spirit." (1 Co 4:4-5)
When we possess a favorable reputation with the Holy Spirit, we also please the remainder of the Trinity--Three Persons, One God. Consequently, our reputation with God trumps the thoughts of any and all men and women.
"Success is pleasing God." ~ Dr. Stan Toussaint
Most parents, including those confessing themselves as Christians, despise hearing their children define success simply as serving God, achieving His will for their life (Mt 7:21). Parents also suffer from ego, pride and significance when wanting their children to serve as Leaders instead of Servants.
Fortunately, some parents do understand through their spiritual maturity. For example, I fondly and permanently recall my dad's final advice, "Always Trust God. Remember that son. Trust God, Always."
This will provide you with true, eternal significance!
While seeking to please and serve God, consider pondering other daily inquiries of Charles Gibbs: Charles Gibbs’ Approach
“God,
what is your Dream / Vision for me?”
“How
may I serve you today?”
“What
may I learn and how may I mature in you today?”
“God, do I glorify you in
promoting this product or service to myself and others?
”
Forget about seeking Leadership, rather release your ego, pride and your desire for greatness among men and women. Seek greatness in Christ by only Serving (Mt. 20:26, 23:11; Mk 9:35; Lk 22:26; Mk 10:35-45).
While serving as National President of my collegiate social fraternity, the National board and I reminded active members--those in college--that the purpose of their receiving a college education existed in them using their education to serve God. This service included their future business employees or employer, customers, vendors, home community, their church and anywhere else that God directed them to serve.
As President, the board and I strongly desired for our members to mature as servants of God, pursuing His will.
Additional reading on Serving Christ and His people.
Seek Inner Peace for Decisions – Kent Frieling
Treat People like the Holy Spirit brought them to you
How will You
Serve Christ and His People today?
See Christ, Believe Christ and Achieve with Christ by Serving for and with Christ.
Rick E. Meyer
See, Believe, Achieve Inc.
www.rickEmeyer.com
