Jesus never used a crowd or position to be authoritative, He humbled Himself and served where the "leaders" would not serve and through His service earned an audience that allowed Him the opportunity to proclaim the love of the Father.
I believe that as we embrace this truth and lay aside the opposite way of thinking and fully adopt the thinking of Christ that we will experience an incredible move of God.
So, for the next few minutes I am going to lay out several truths that we already know, yet have such a tremendous difficulty putting into action.
Principles of a Servant: Isaiah 42
- Dependence - An "emptying" of self and dependence on God is a absolute that will allow the Holy Spirit to use us. Phil 2:7
- Modesty - Are lives should be lived in a way that brings attention to God not self. So often we are worried about what others will think of us, neglecting the truth that it is Christ that deserves the recognition. We see throughout the landscape of America men and women who are making a name for themselves. Jesus lived in such a quiet and unobtrusive manner that many today doubt His very existence. Matthew 4:5; Isaiah 45:15; Isaiah 6:2
- Empathy - A servant is sympathetic with the weak, mercifully understanding toward those who err. We need to be people who do not seek a ministry more rewarding and worthy of our talents than bearing the frail side of humanity. Matthew 25:45
- Optimism - Pessimism and leadership are at opposite end's of life's attitudes. Hope and optimism are essential qualities for a servant. God's ideal servant is optimistic until every part of God's work is done. Isaiah 42:4
- Anointing - None of these leadership qualities-dependence, modesty, empathy, or optimism-are sufficient for the task that God has for our lives. Without the touch of the supernatural, these qualities are no more than qualities. We need the fresh touch of the Holy Spirit on our lives daily. Acts 10:38
May we follow close to the steps of our Lord!!
Reflection:
- How can you tell when you are being a servant?
- Isaiah 42 includes six characteristics of God's servant, Jesus. Which one do you find the greatest challenge as you walk into leadership?
1- I think you can tell because everything becomes less annoying and less of a hassle, There is a joy when you are thinking about others that isnt there when you are thinking about yourself.
ReplyDeleteV. 3 He wont brush aside the bruised and the hurt and he wont disregard the small and insignificant. I feel that this can be a difficult challenge in leadership especially when I have responsibilities and those become whats important and I lose sight of the people around me.
Some of the greatest challenges for leadership are failing and becoming discouraged. Often times, we rely on the judgment of man to determine if we pass or fail. Though we know God is the ultimate judge, it is sometimes difficult to know whether He approves or disapproves of the actions of leaders, especially of those with good intentions. Knowing or not knowing whether we are failing can discourage us from continuing with a process. So many times people give up or try something different, thus not allowing the current process to manifest.
ReplyDeleteI seek out ways to overcome these challenges. Romans 8:28 tells us that all things work together for good to those who love God. Therefore there is no failure in doing his works despite what man may decide. Scripture should be enough to overcome these challenges but often times I desire more. Then I remember the leaders and everyday people who came before us and they never saw the benefits of their good works come to past. Yet today we are all blessed to reap the fruits of their labor.
The feelings of failure and discouragement are inevitable because we are human. But I/we have to keep those “feelings” in perspective and not let them deter me/us from doing what God has called me/us to do. God issues the only true and final judgment and our works are not for ourselves, but for the good of those (here today and/or tomorrow) who love God!