Are Christians called to be leaders or servants?

This question is one of the oldest among believers. Are Christians saved to lead or to serve? The short answer is simply, yes. It is actually both.

Among other important things, one of the things that God expects from His children is to be servants of humanity.  Of course, servanthood goes against the human nature.  From scripture, we KNOW that the nature of mankind is inherently sinful and also evil.

Jas 1v14 Instead, each person is tempted by his own desire, being lured and trapped by it.

 Obedience to God’s will and purpose for our lives means that we need to embrace servanthood.  Perhaps this is the right time to mention that servanthood is in no way similar to slavery.    

Slaves don’t receive gifts (Matt 25), but servants DO.  Slaves have very little choice, where servants have a lot more free will.  Servanthood is a choice that we make for ourselves on a daily basis and slavery removes choice from us.  In fact the ideal of being a servant is actually the perfect  place for us to be in Gods household.

Matt 23v11 The person who is greatest among you must be your servant.

Leaders are Servants are Leaders

An interesting thing to be aware of is that the ideal of servanthood goes hand in hand with leadership.  Leaders understand needs and how to meet them.  God apoints leaders that are given charge over those that God puts under their care. 

Heb 13v17 Continue to follow and be submissive to your leaders, since they are watching over your souls as those who will have to give a word of explanation. By doing this, you will be letting them carry out their duties joyfully, and not with grief, for that would be harmful for you.

In most cases those who are called to lead often find themselves meeting the needs of the people that they lead. This service should be a pleasant, rewarding and giving experience.  This because we give of ourselves.  Not that we own what we share with others but our efforts simply make us a conduit of Gods care for our neighbour.

Matt 10v8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, drive out demons. You have received without payment, so give without payment.

The Pulse of a Saved Heart

But where does our servants heart start beating.  Surely it must be at the foot of the cross.  Of course yes!! That’s where every relational engagement begins in the life of a believer. The foundations of our faith in Jesus is based on what Jesus said was the most important of the commandments.  The #OneCommandment if you will. 

Rom 12v1 I therefore urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercies, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and pleasing to God, for this is the reasonable way for you to worship

The beginning of my servants heart must be to acknowledge God’s place in my life. It’s endorsing Him as my King.  Serving Him directly with my life.  I change myself to understand Him better.  It makes me better able to serve Him. It lets me know His will.

Where to Next?

Our service to God is naturally followed by servanthood to other people.  Once we have a measure of peace in our personal place before God, that’s were we extend ourselves.

2 Tim 2v2 What you have heard from me through many witnesses entrust to faithful people who will be able to teach others as well.

Deliverance Through Teaching

Teaching is grossly under rated in the cross of Christ.  I’m reminded of what Jesus said in the Gospel of John. Grasping this statement has untold potential.

John 8v32 And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.”

In many ways those who teach have been called.  In fact is one of the cornerstones of the doctrine of the five fold ministry. It’s a duty to deliver freedom to those God gives them to serve.  Speaking Gods truth brings freedom to those who hear. 

Rom 10v17 Consequently, faith results from listening, and listening results through the word of the Messiah.

The Order of Our Service

Of course the heart of a servant serves God first. It serves our neighbours next and on some levels it also includes those who are not yet saved.  Strangely I believe the most likely place for me to find someone to disciple would be the church.

Matt 28v19 Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age.”

I agree that Gods people are also tasked to spread the gospel to those who need to hear it.  Making of disciples however should start with myself and spill over to the bride before it goes to the unsaved.

What about in my marriage?

ABSOLUTELY!!  Husbands and wives are called to serve where ever they find themselves. This fact is most true in the marriage relationship. I know there is this tung in cheek debate over who is in charge in a marriage.  Jesus said …

Matt 28v18 Then Jesus approached them and told them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.

The marriage is where we practice servanthood.  Its where we learn to live righteously through accountability. Firstly to God but also to one another. As a servant to my spouse I am not in charge but in service. 

Are Both of us servants?

How can two people serve each other at the same time.  Paul clears this up for us…

Eph 5v22 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands as to the Lord.

Eph 5v25Husbands, love your wives as the Messiah loved the church and gave himself for it,

My seservice is to my wife but as if I am serving Jesus.  As the head of my home, I’m not in charge. I am accountable to God to fill the three offices of my calling over my house.

The Husbands three hats of service and leadership.

I have three hats to wear.  It relates to the three offices that God has placed me in as a husband and father in my house. They are those of a King, priest, and prophet.

As a king, I represent God’s presence in my home.   Even a young Christian husband can be such a king.  It’s the place where responsibility and accountability starts.   Its where the seat of moral integrity sits.  Its where righteousness and justice enter each home.

As a priest, I lead the way and set the honor of God’s Name and His Word at the center of my house.  I constantly push the agenda of seeking Gods rule over my home.  I am always striving for peace between my house and God’s throne. 

As a prophet over my house, I draw from time spent in God’s presence to guide my family to the place and purpose that God shows me.  I must grow in understanding of God’s word.  This is the only way we have been given to discern His will.

Are wives leaders or servants?

My wife’s service to me is that of a helper. 

Gen 2v18 Later, the LORD God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make the woman to be an authority corresponding to him.”

My wife helps me to remain true to God’s word.  She holds me accountable to my servant’s place.  She is the closest person to me.  Even though she experiences my faults first hand she holds me steady in a fallen world. 

We can argue that the Holy Spirit does all of these things.  Some times men need an audible voice and personal accountability to become that faithful servant.  Remember that as the head of a home the husbands place it to do what Jesus did for the bride.

Eph 5v25Husbands, love your wives as the Messiah loved the church and gave himself for it,

The Ultimate Transition

Becoming a Christian means to go from a slave to sin to a servant of righteousness.  First in our relationship with Jesus, and then with our fellow man.

#GrowMySpirit

#OneCommandment

#ReadPrayTeach

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