Mark 10:45 For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many’
Community thrives when people serve, not consume.
What would it feel like to be part of a community where everyone served? Can you remember a time when you felt so fulfilled because of the way you served another? Why is it that we feel so alive at these times?
To serve is to perform a specific role, fulfil a purpose or to act in place of something. Another word for service is ‘Benevolence’ – a disposition or tendency to do good, showing kindness, goodwill, and charitable actions towards others, encompassing empathy, generosity and a desire to help, often stemming from a deep understanding of interconnectedness.
Jesus’ model of leadership
Jesus’ service was sacrificial; his style of leadership is known as servant leadership. His life was sacrificial from its inception, right up until its end, where ‘He gave up his life for many’; a true demonstration of his love for us. He understood his purpose and remained focussed on the advancement of his people.
Serving reshapes posture
Serving requires us to focus on the needs of others and delay or forgo our own gratification. This is impossible, if our focus is on ourselves and on our own comfort and convenience.
Servant leadership prioritises serving the team’s needs, fostering growth, empowering the team to perform at their best, focussing on upliftment, fostering community, collaboration and shared success.
As we shift our focus to the needs of others, we begin to really care about each other’s wellbeing and become a part of each other’s lives. The above scripture reminds us that ‘even the son of man came not to be served but to serve’; that implies that there is an expectation that we are all meant to serve. Could this be why we experience joy and fulfilment in serving others and seeing other people grow; as in doing this we are realising our divine purpose!
Health churches are not spectator driven
The early church in Acts are a great demonstration of servant leadership. In Acts 2:44-45 and Acts 4:32-35, possessions were sold and distributed according to the needs of their community. People did not consider their possessions to be for themselves. They led with humility and compassion, focussing on caring for the vulnerable. It is no surprise that the church grew and many were added to their numbers; communities grow and thrive as people serve one another. We are to ‘esteem others more highly than ourselves’ Philippians 2:3-4. Our gifts are given for use in community, we learn how to use our gifts, as we serve in community.
Application: There are several characteristics of ‘Servant Leadership’, these include: Empathy, Listening, Awareness, Stewardship, Commitment to growth and Building community.
Do you have any of these characteristics or others that you feel can serve the church?
Reflection: As you are more intentional in your service in church this year, watch how the Lord flows through you to achieve his purpose and cause you to have a great impact in community.