Sunday, January 25, 2009

Are you a servant leader?

Today’s Reading: John 19:14b-15 (NIV)

14b “Here is your king,” Pilate said to the Jews. 15 But they shouted, “Take him away! Take him away! Crucify him!” “Shall I crucify your king?” Pilate asked. “We have no king but Caesar,” the chief priests answered.

Good morning!

What does it mean to be a servant leader? I’ve read the thoughts of Billy Graham, John Maxwell, Mike Slaughter and Bill Hybels on servant leadership. I continue to grow and learn and be inspired by today’s servant leaders whom I’ve come to respect within The United Methodist Church. Our Bishop is a true visionary; he challenges each of us to reach out and grab hold of the bar that has been set in the cornerstone of our faith. We are blessed with many gifted servant leaders who strive each day to reach the world with the life-saving message of Jesus Christ. We are no longer bound inside the walls of our church buildings and stuck sitting in our pews. Continually, Bishop reminds us that the world is our parish! I couldn’t help but notice the curio cabinet in the hallway of our Conference Center displaying a variety of bronze busts of our founder John Wesley. Wesley’s vision and sheer determination birthed a new passion and hunger in people to seek, follow and share the love of Jesus Christ with everyone. John Wesley was a true servant leader.

During the leadership training event yesterday, our speaker spoke these words: “Vision can limit what we see.” This morning, I wonder what Jesus saw as He stood before His accusers, bloodied and bruised. How could He, who knew no sin, see beyond the sinfulness of man to willingly lay Himself down on a cross of shame, taking upon Himself the sins of the world, just to save us?

There is no greater servant leader than Jesus Christ. Completely obedient to the will of the Father, Jesus willingly laid His life down to save all from eternal separation and death. That morning, while people were shouting and screaming and demanding crucifixion, Jesus stood, broken and bleeding, pouring out His life’s blood for all. He loved his accusers enough to die for them. Silently, the Lamb of God was led to slaughter; there was no glimmer of hatred on his face; no feelings of bitterness toward the people. Jesus was different from the rest of humanity. When we feel pain and anxiety and fear, we focus upon our own pain, clueless to the suffering of those around us. As Jesus suffered that morning, He focused His whole heart on you and me.

How far would you be willing to go to share Christ’s love in the world today? Are you a servant leader? May the salvation you’ve freely received in Christ Jesus catapult you into a lifelong journey of selfless servant leadership.

Grace and peace,

Deb Spaulding

Faith UMC - St. Charles, MO

www.songofdeborah.com

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1 comment:

David Weller said...

Thank you for this beautiful work of yours. I was feeling ill again today, but your words of inspiration renew my faith in a loving God that demands love from us. May you continue your loving work.
David Weller