Read Mark 10:35-45

Since making the decision to go into full time ministry and getting the opportunity to do so at Grace Church in Wooster, I have been in a season of observing and learning. Coming into an internship in the summer of 2015, I knew little of what it took to actually be a pastor. Sure, I knew in a general sense from my dad being a pastor the majority of my life but, then stepping into the mix, I needed some guidance.

There were two people who really helped me learn the ropes and that was Randy Moomaw and Steve Kern. From taking me on hospital visits, to funerals and coaching me through tough situations, Steve and Randy have been incredible for my professional growth.

However, one thing stands out from all of the rest and has become a core motto in my own leadership:

Don’t ask someone to do something that you aren’t willing to do yourself!

Leadership is not telling someone to go clean out a closet, organize a bunch of files or do other tasks that you have neglected up until this point. Leadership is leading the way and showing people that nothing is beneath you.

In our reading today, Jesus had to have a tough conversation with His disciples after a couple of them got caught up in being the greatest of the bunch. Jesus turned their thinking upside down by saying:

“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave to all.”

A huge part of leadership is actually serving and leading people through your actions. There is no better example of this than Jesus. Did He enter into Jerusalem on a white horse with sword drawn and ready for war?

No.

He came into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey.

Did He demand that His disciples care for His every need?

No.

He washed their feet.

In your circle of influence, how can you best lead through your actions? How can you take the next step of serving? Do you communicate, audibly or not, that something is beneath you as a leader? Do you cast vision so that people know the “why” behind their responsibilities or do you pass off tasks that you have neglected?

You would be surprised how much of an impact you would make through your leadership if you were committed to serve!

Jake Lawson