We have all been called to some sort of mission in life. Whether we feel a desire to be a businessman, nurse, teacher, or preacher, God calls us to be servant leaders within our mission.
The term “servant leader” may seem odd because leaders usually have servants under them. However, God, as usual, has a different approach to things than our world does.
Recently, I attended a leadership retreat in which we were given tips on becoming stronger and more suitable leaders within whatever mission we are a part of. One of the speakers briefly mentioned the verse Matthew 20:16, which says, “So the last will be first, and the first will be last.”
This means that anyone who puts others first is actually “first” in God’s eyes. Through letting others go before us, we let down our selfish pride and allow God’s humble love to be used through us.
The ones who go first, however, are actually “last.” When someone cuts a line or races to the front before all others, they are being selfish.
How does this have anything to do with being a servant leader in whatever mission we endure? Well, as I mentioned before, God does things differently. He wants us to be constantly aware of our actions in the mission He graciously places us in. He doesn’t put a passion in our heart or help us achieve a work position for our own selfish gain.
No, He has called us to watch each move we make and to remember that the mission is not about our success, but about putting others first for His glory.
I challenge you to take a moment today and ask God to reveal any selfishness inside you. It is very difficult to admit, but we are all selfish sinners and it is only by God’s grace that we love. Maybe even make a prayer that says, “Help me to be last.”
He will shower you with love and mercy, and if you allow Him, He will begin to tear down walls inside of you to then construct His beautiful palace in your heart.