Humble, Servant Leadership

Humble, servant leadership. Three very simple, yet very profound words. In my opinion, this is what the church today is lacking. Now before you assume (we know what happens when we do that) that I am going to glory in my self-deprecation, let me make it abundantly clear that I am one of the most prideful and arrogant people I know. Don't argue this point with me or I will be forced to prove that fact to you. My point is that in our quest to be humble servants, many of us have in fact become egotistical demagogues. We enjoy the praise that comes with our service so much that we develop a false humility for the sole purpose of receiving more praise. When this happens, we have turned our hearts to the praise of men and away from the Glory of Christ. We seek to make our "low position" greater than it was ever intended. We begin to become the show. We begin to live John 3:30 in reverse, where we increase more and more and Christ increases less and less.

That verse is one of my favorite verses in all of scripture. However, I am a man of context, and the fact that we quote that verse alone and not in conjuction with the entire story found in John 3:22-36, causes us to fail to see the whole picture of the circumstances that caused John the Baptist to make that statement.

John's followers came to him upset because people were running to be baptized by Jesus instead of John. Their attitude was one of shock and dismay that this newcomer could turn the crowds so easily. They wanted to know what JTB was going to do to get his crowd back. John's answer is amazing. Before he even gets to the increase/decrease stuff, he waxes eloquently. John's message to his followers was simple, John was not the Messiah! He never claimed to be. And now John's joy was full to overflowing because the Messiah had come. That led John to make his statement on fading into the shadows. (The stuff John says after verse 30 is worth reading and equally mind blowing as well)

John was not saying that Jesus needed to be greater in his life. John was saying that Jesus needed to be greater than his life. Unfortunately, this is not how this verse is most often relayed. The message was that it was Jesus' time to receive all the Glory. John's time had passed. John had served his purpose; fulfilled his duty. It was time for the fame of Christ to be renowned, and if that meant that John had to fade into obscurity for Christ to receive Glory, then so be it.

When you look at the church today is this the manner in which you see it being led? Do you see men and women fading into the shadows so that Christ moves forward? Do you see men and women sacrificing their fame and glory for the fame of Christ? Do you see men and women consumed by the Passoinate Pursuit? Do you see men and women who live lives transformed by the Gospel? Some things to ponder today and everyday.

By the way, we'd love to hear your thoughts on this and any topic. We are seeking to create an open forum for authentic discussion. If you have any thoughts that you think could add value, please feel free to post them.