03
From Selfish, to Selfless
Tim Savage42So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. 43But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, 44and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. 45For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10
In our society, it’s good to be king. With higher position comes more money, more influence and power, more prestige. Jesus says that those in authority lord it over those under them, enjoying the benefits that power brings. We are, by nature, selfish, and it’s natural for us to aspire to positions of leadership and the spoils that come with it, but Jesus turns that model on its head and instead teaches that He came, not to be served, but to serve and that those who want to lead must be last.
This applies to every facet of my life: home, work and ministry. Most importantly, this changes the motivation of leadership from selfish, to selfless – easier said than done. How often when I examine decisions that I’ve made I clearly see that it was made to maneuver me in to an advantageous position, so that I could be seen better to take credit, receive praise, make more money or give me more influence. These daily reminders of how to live better for Christ are so necessary because these selfish tendencies run so deep. In fact, the real struggle is to apply the lessons of my morning journaling during that same day and not let it go in one ear and out the other. I must carefully examine my leadership decisions so that they serve others and set them up for success. I must surrender my burdens early and often to my Savior; this will help me to lead better and live better. Jesus was our perfect example. The Son of God came to serve, not to be served; I must aspire to do the same.
Dear Heavenly Father,
I want to please You by serving others, not myself. Help me examine my motives and make decisions that favor those that I lead. Your blessings will flow when I put others first and me last. I want to be more like You.
In Jesus name,
Amen
