The Highest Qualifications
I have observed something about human nature. The higher one goes up the ladder, whether it be education or business, these are the most willing to serve. More often than not, it is the person who is tidying up the place, or arranging the furniture that is the highest ranking officer. For the more you have invested in something, the more important it is to you.
Jesus understood this principle well and before He left this world, He attempted to teach it to His disciples:
But this is not your calling. You will lead by a different model. The greatest one among you will live as one called to serve others without honor. The greatest honor and authority is reserved for the one who has a servant heart. Luke 22:26 (TPT)
Jesus wanted His disciples to have a servant’s heart. Any charlatan can parade around in pomp and circumstance, beckoning others to wait on them. It takes no character, it takes no skill, and it probably comes from not really making that much of an investment in the institution.
After Jesus ascended to heaven, that Spirit of servant leadership was evident in His Apostles. Hear what they said about serving the Greek widows:
3 We want you to carefully select from among yourselves seven godly men. Make sure they are honorable, full of the Holy Spirit and wisdom, and we will give them the responsibility of this crucial ministry of serving. Acts 6:3 (TPT)
Imagine that in order to wait tables, the resume had to include standing out among your peers as being honorable, being full of the Holy Spirit and having wisdom. Today we want the lowly to operate in those positions.
When we come into the understanding that Kingdom living is preceded by servant giving, in this life, then we will truly gain the essence of what the Kingdom is all about and begin to enjoy all the benefits of being in the royal family.
Maria