FROM THE SERVANT GENERAL
ON SERVANT LEADERSHIP
(Part 147)
PRINCIPLES OF SERVANT LEADERSHIP – 3
September 2, 2020
Today’s readings:
1 Corinthians 3:1-9
Psalm 33:12-21
Luke 4:38-44
We are all disciples and servants of our Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus is the ultimate servant leader, one who served without concern for self and who gave his all, including his very life. In today’s readings, we look to various elements of true servant leadership.
First, we must be soaked in prayer. Jesus had just spent the whole evening ministering to many people, but early the next day he was off to pray. “At daybreak, Jesus left and went to a deserted place.” (Lk 4:42). Having spent a lot of time with people, now Jesus spent time with his Father. We too, if we are to serve others, must be rooted in Christ. We need to pray and have our communication and interaction with God. And do it first thing in the day so as to be primed up for the rest of the day.
Second, we must know that we are just instruments of God. “For we are God’s co-workers” (1 Cor 3:9a). Though oftentimes we get in God’s way, God still uses us. We are ministers who have different tasks assigned, some lofty and others lowly, but all necessary, “just as the Lord assigned each one.” (1 Cor 3:5b). Paul says, “I planted, Apollos watered, but God caused the growth.” (1 Cor 3:6). We must all just go about our assigned tasks, and look to God, who sent us, for our bearing good fruit. “Therefore, neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who causes the growth.” (1 Cor 3:7).
Third, as we serve only one Master and we have the one vision, we must strive to be united. A house divided unto itself cannot stand. What can bring about disunity? It “is jealousy and rivalry among you” (1 Cor 3:3b). This is being “of the flesh, and behaving in an ordinary human way” (1 Cor 3:3c). We must not be competitive with other servant leaders. We must not envy the successes of others, but rather, rejoice in these. After all, we are one body, and we share in joys and sorrows. We must reject the prodding of the fallen flesh and human thinking, but think and do as Jesus did.
Fourth, we look to the most important service as the work of evangelization, because this helps bring people to experience the salvation that Jesus won for them on the cross. Jesus kept moving throughout Judea. He said, “To the other towns also I must proclaim the good news of the kingdom of God, because for this purpose I have been sent.” (Lk 4:43). As to MFC, we have been chosen, called and sent forth. As an evangelistic and missionary community, our purpose is to proclaim the gospel of salvation in Jesus. And we do this with great urgency, to the very ends of the earth.
Fifth, because we do divine work, we always look to God, and God looks to us, to accomplish His purposes in the world. “The One who fashioned together their hearts is the One who knows all their works.” (Ps 33:15). We do much of our work in anonymity, not seeking recognition from the world. But God knows. We work to please Him and not anyone else.
Sixth, we know that there will be difficulties and trials, resulting in suffering and pain. But as we are God’s instruments, then we can always look to God—for empowerment, for strength, for consolation, for healing, for encouragement. “Behold, the eye of the Lord is upon those who fear him, upon those who count on his mercy, to deliver their soul from death, and to keep them alive through famine.” (Ps 33:18-19). God will be there for us through thick and thin.
Seventh, as we engage in brutal spiritual warfare, we rely on God for help and protection. We do not get ahead of Him, and we do not lag behind Him. “Our soul waits for the Lord, he is our help and shield.” (Ps 33:20). Yoked with Jesus and keeping in step with him, we go forth in the power of the Holy Spirit as holy warriors.
It is a great privilege to be servants of Jesus Christ. And because God is with us, then “in him our hearts rejoice; in his holy name we trust.” (Ps 33:21).
