Leadership & Lay Ministry #1 - Servant Leadership
This week we are looking at Leadership and Lay Ministry. Today we think about Servant Leadership...| Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from His love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature[a] God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death--- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue acknowledge that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father. (Philippians2:1-11) |
Philippians 2:1--11 teaches us what it means to live with the attitude of Jesus. Paul, in Philippians 2 1 -11, encourages believers to live in unity, humility, and love. He reminds us that following Christ is not about putting ourselves first, but about caring for others and putting others needs before our own.
One of the most powerful verses is Philippians 2:3: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves." This can be difficult in a world where we are often encouraged to focus on ourselves, our achievements, our lives and what we can gain. Jesus shows us a different way. He chose humility.
Jesus was the Son of God, yet He willingly humbled Himself and became a servant. He did not use His position to make Himself greater than others. Instead, He gave Himself for the sake of humanity, you and I. His life demonstrates that true greatness is found in serving others with love, His selfless love.
This passage challenges us to look at the way we treat the people around us. At school, at home, at church, or among our friends, do we always need to be right? Do we put our own wants and needs first? Or are we willing to listen, forgive, encourage, and help others?
Having the attitude of Christ does not mean thinking that we are unimportant. It means recognizing that every person has value and choosing to treat others with kindness and respect. Sometimes the smallest acts of humility ... a kind word, helping someone who is struggling, saying sorry, a smile, sometimes just being there for someone or forgiving someone can reflect Christ's love.
Philippians 2:5 says, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus." This is can be challenging, and can be difficult but it is also an invitation. Jesus has shown us how to live as servant leaders. Through Him, we can learn to become more humble, loving, and willing to serve one another by His example and as we follow in His footsteps to be humble servants for Jesus.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for the example of humility and love You have given us. Help us to have the same attitude that You had. Teach us to put others before ourselves, to serve with willing hearts, and to live in a way that brings honour to Your name. May our words, choices, and actions always reflect Your love wherever we go. Help us to remember that true greatness comes from serving You and others. In Jesus' name, Amen.
------------------------------------------------
Debbie Louw is the Session Clerk of Heidelburg Presbyterian Church in the Highveld Presbytery. Debbie is a mother/grandmother and mentor to many grandchildren and a great grandchild and loves serving God's people.
