Help Wanted

Imagine a person thinking that being the President of the United States was only about getting a big limousine in a motorcade, having a band play “Hail to the Chief” when he entered the room, and traveling in the luxury of Air Force One! There are perks that go with the office, but the cost of leading the nation is all-consuming. The President carries responsibility that does not stop, from which he takes no breaks. His decisions have real consequence for millions, his word sends soldiers into battle. Look at pictures of recent presidents from the day of their election to the day they leave office.  The weight of responsibility etches lines into their faces, grays their hair, and bends their shoulders.

Chris (name changed) had an ambition. He wanted to be a leader. He read leadership books, attended seminars, and sought positions in various organizations. He was turned away, over and over again. He wanted a position of importance. He wanted an office, a title. He thought that with those things he could enjoy the love of devoted followers.  Chris did not ‘get’ that leadership is about serving, not Self.

Two of Jesus’ disciples were like Chris! James and John approached the Lord one day and asked for positions of importance.  “Make us your right-hand men,” they said. “Put us on either side of your throne when you come into your Glory.”  They had seen the aides standing next to powerful men. They craved the perks they imagined belonged to those people. Jesus did not refuse their request. He clarified the cost!  “You think you’re ready to pay the price that comes with those places in my kingdom?” He asked them.  In Christ’s Kingdom, those who lead must die to Self.  He knew that the path to His throne would travel through the Cross. “Can you drink the cup I’ll have to drink?” He asked them.  They naively insisted that they were prepared to go the distance. The other disciples were equally clueless.  They were ready to fight for a place of importance, too.  "When the ten heard about this, they became indignant with James and John. Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." (Mark 10:41-44, NIV)  That took some of the shine off of being a ‘big man’ next to Jesus!

One of the most desperate needs of the Church in 2014 is for servant leaders.  There are millions of people that think Christianity is just a two-hour long ‘weekend experience.’  Some want to lead, but only if that means having a title and visibility in an organization.  The real need is for men and women who want to give their lives to serve, who pray and think about ways to help others find hope, peace, purpose, and eternal life.  They will mobilize others, equip and inspire them, without craving power or perks. Jesus points us to the path of true leadership – selfless service.

It’s not that genuine service goes without reward in God’s work. There will be a rich return but it is not the same kind of reward that the leaders of industry or politics may enjoy. It’s not wealth, prestige, or power that those who serve Him well will find.  It is the commendation of the Lord of Glory, a celebratory welcome into Heaven, “God’s applause!”  Near the end of his life, Paul wrote that he was anticipating receiving “a crown of righteousness.” (2 Timothy 4: 7-8)

Moses was of the great leaders of God’s People. In the word from the Word note his inspiration to serve. Let it inspire a prayer in you – “Lord, I’ll go and serve.”  “By faith, Moses, when grown, refused the privileges of the Egyptian royal house. He chose a hard life with God’s people rather than an opportunistic soft life of sin with the oppressors. He valued suffering in the Messiah’s camp far greater than Egyptian wealth because he was looking ahead, anticipating the payoff. By an act of faith, he turned his heel on Egypt, indifferent to the king’s blind rage. He had his eye on the One no eye can see, and kept right on going.”  The Message (Heb 11:24-27)

“Help wanted” – will you go to work for Christ today?