Greatest as Servant

Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, “The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses' seat; therefore, do whatever they teach you and follow it; but do not do as they do, for they do not practice what they teach. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on the shoulders of others; but they themselves are unwilling to lift a finger to move them. They do all their deeds to be seen by others; for they make their phylacteries broad and their fringes long. They love to have the place of honor at banquets and the best seats in the synagogues, and to be greeted with respect in the marketplaces, and to have people call them rabbi. But you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all students. And call no one your father on earth, for you have one Father-- the one in heaven. Nor are you to be called instructors, for you have one instructor, the Messiah. The greatest among you will be your servant. All who exalt themselves will be humbled, and all who humble themselves will be exalted.” Matthew 23:1-12

I have been acquainted with several church leaders who take on their ministry as if they were CEOs of a corporation or an elected official. They pay big bucks for coaches who tell them how to keep their power and how to yield to no one. This has always startled me. I always understood our coaches to be found in prayer and confession, always Humbly seeking spiritual advice for the challenges of any given day.  I really struggle to be a servant daily and it is that roll to which I am called in all things.

Jesus has watched his religious leaders garner power and destroy others. They served no one except themselves. We are advised to not model our behavior on the wealthy, the powerful or those who cannot bend and live humbly. We are called to leave fame aside and serve the people at margins of our world. We are to lift up the lowly, empowering the least among to be strong. We are encouraged to leave self aside so that there is room enough for all.

Today I ask God to help me be a servant in all things. May we never seek our own gain but rather seek to lift others up. May the world be enriched by our humble service and may we leave only the marks of true love.