It’s a biblical theme that needs to be studied, taught, and brought to memory again and again because it is so radically counterintuitive. The most often used term for a spiritual leader in Scripture is … servant.
So it is vital that every leadership community does its work, understanding that what God has called each leader to be defines how God has called him to do what he has been called to do.
What is the motivational joy in the heart of a true servant?
The joy of a true servant is not power;
Paul David Tripp (LEAD)
the joy of a true servant is not control;
the joy of a true servant is not acclaim;
the joy of a true servant is not comfort or ease;
and the joy of a true servant is not position
What gives a servant joy in being a servant … is service.
Servant-Leader.
If there is one concept I hope we walk away with from our journey through Nehemiah, this is it. My friend, Tom Hufty, often says, “You’re never more like Jesus than when you’re serving.” I can’t always tell you what that looks like for you specifically or how exactly that is fleshed out in your day-to-day, but I can tell you at least three things:
- He wasn’t just doing it; He was modeling it.
(Matthew 20:25 – 28) - He’s called each of us to serve.
(Galatians 6:10) - If you ask Him for direction, He’ll give it to you.
(James 1:5)
Whether it’s on our campus on Sunday mornings or Wednesday evenings… in your home, at your job, at your school, with your team, or wherever you might volunteer… It could be a planned event or a random opportunity… But wherever, whenever, and whatever it might be, God has strategically placed you, wired you, and gifted you to serve in some way. And in that service, there will be great joy!
If I can serve you in any way…