Jesus modeled an attitude of servanthood for His followers and set a standard we often fail to meet. A servant’s heart requires a willingness to put the needs of others ahead of our own.
by Ryan Wyatt
Growth is happening in Newton County at a furious pace. Just a few looks around town makes that reality impossible to deny, as new retail, restaurants, grocery stores and housing opportunities dot the landscape. Almost without fail, there will be a grand opening for each of these establishments for the public on the outside, allowing us to experience the exciting new things offered on the inside. To make the openings more personal, an employee of the newly minted endeavor will graciously stand at the entrance to open doors for the first-time guests. Why? It’s obvious the businesses are open because of the clever marketing of bright signage, social media footprints and the always-popular roadside Sky Dancer. However, there’s something personal about the door holder. The door holder represents the attitude of servanthood. No matter how spectacular the marketing may be, the power of servanthood is an unmatched element for public interest because it speaks a universal language. Can a grand opening be grand if there’s no personal touch? I don’t think so.
The Bible beautifully illustrates the heart of God in servanthood through a challenge Jesus made to a couple of His closest disciples. In Mark 10, while Jesus was traveling, He discussed the future events of His death, burial and resurrection. Jesus continues to teach the disciples about His divine purpose of servanthood, which would be a billboard of His mission of changing the culture back to heaven’s standards. While on the road, Jesus exemplifies the servanthood model, but those with Him missed the lesson by a long shot. A community of unity is connected by common threads, not a corporate ladder.
“They focused on the fame of being a follower, not the responsibility that authentic leadership required. Their focus was misguided, selfish and superficially prideful.”
Ryan Wyatt
As Jesus detailed His future reality, there arose confusion and dissent among His followers over which of them would be the most important in the work of ministry. They focused on the fame of being a follower, not the responsibility that authentic leadership required. Their focus was misguided, selfish and superficially prideful. At this moment, Scripture says, “Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, ‘You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servants, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be a servant of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.’”
Having a servant’s heart and taking the backseat to another is a powerful language everyone understands because it is a longing every heart holds—one that breaks down hurt and divisions. Throughout the Scriptures, the theme of servanthood was the conduit for saving grace, one to another. Holding doors calms the frenzy and opens hearts in a grand way. It’s heaven’s story and our challenge.
Ryan Wyatt is the lead pastor of Church 213. For information, visit church213.com.
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