And when the ten heard it, they began to be greatly displeased with James and John. But Jesus called them to Himself and said to them, "You know that those who are considered rulers over the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you, but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."Mark 10:41-45
This reminds me of the church of Laodiceans. They were the Lukewarm church but part of the problems that existed in the church was the laity Lord it over the flock.
Leadership isn't about exercising your authority over people, nor is it influencing people to do what you want them to do. Look at what Jesus says: Leading people is all about serving them! This is backward from the world's view. Jesus said go the extra mile that's why he told the follower who wanted to bury his mother and father, Let the dead bury the dead. It's not enough that we go the distance, Jesus wants us to go the extra mile.
Paul said in Galatians 5:13, "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh,
but through love serve one another
."
You see, true, biblical leadership is about loving others and serving them in every need they have.
Not only did Jesus tell us to serve and minister to each other's needs; but He also lived it out. He washed dirty feet. He touched lepers and the unclean of society. He had meals with the unloved in society.
"For the Son of Man came to serve and to give His life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45). Not only should we be thankful for Jesus Christ, His life, and His ultimate sacrifice, but we should imitate Him in the things He's called us to do.
Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma"
(Ephesians 5:1-2).
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