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Prepare Your Heart

To the best of your ability, get rid of all distractions. Take a few minutes to breathe deeply and quiet yourself in the Lord’s presence. Then, ask the Lord to speak to you in this time. Let Him know that you will listen and make whatever adjustments He will reveal to you.

Read God’s Word

Numbers 18-20
Mark 10:23-45

A Verse for Today

Slowly and reflectively read the following verse(s) and listen to what God will say to you through His written Word. Consider writing down any insights He reveals to you.

Mark 10:42-45 (CSB): “Jesus called them over and said to them, ‘You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those in high positions act as tyrants over them. But it is not so among you. On the contrary, whoever wants to become great among you will be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you will be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.'”

Reflecting on God’s Word

“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” – Lord John Dalberg-Acton

Leadership and power can be a very dangerous combination. There have been leaders in world history who garnered all sorts of power for themselves and then engaged in unmitigated evil and committed unspeakable atrocities.

That is why my country’s founders included a “balance of powers” in our constitution. The founding fathers of the United States of America recognized the dangers of absolute power, so they created three branches of government intended to keep each branch in check.

Checks and balances must be present because we cannot legislate a human heart. When someone rises to a position of authority, we cannot be certain of their motives for seeking power or how they will handle that power when they get it. So, we put systems in place that limit the danger of someone seeking to abuse that power.

How wonderful would it be if each person in a position of influence would understand and apply the principles that Jesus taught? What would it look like if those who rose to power saw their positions of influence as an opportunity to lead with the best interest of their constituents in mind? What would it look like if leaders weren’t afraid to roll up their sleeves to do the unexpected by serving those they lead?

This is what Jesus told His disciples. This is how we are to live. Whether we rise to positions of authority in government, we supervise a group at work, or we parent our children, we are all people of influence who have a degree of power over others. Use that power for the benefit of those you are leading. Keep their best interests in mind even if it means you have to sacrifice every now and then.

That is leadership as Jesus taught it. Basically, to go up in leadership and influence, we must go down in humility and service. It is certainly more than that, but it is not less than that.

Spend Time in Prayer

  • Ask God to help you see where you are in a position of influence (parenting, leadership position at work, etc.)
  • Ask God to help you see your position as one to be used to bless those you influence.
  • Ask God to help you serve others from a heart that desires to lead as Jesus did.

Going Deeper

If you want to dig a little deeper into Jesus’ words in Mark 10:42-45, consider reading the following GotQuestions article:

“What is servant leadership?”

“What does it mean that the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve (Mark 10:45)?”

Sharing

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Matt Ellis is the pastor of First Baptist Church in Polk City, Florida (fbcpolkcity.com)