Back to: Equipped To Lead
Essential Practicals:
Promotion Comes From The Lord
Desiring to lead and be used by God in His kingdom is not wrong. At the same time, there is a danger of selfish ambition and self-promotion. Sometimes people become very upset about the place that they have in the body. They feel that they should have a different role, but they are being held back. Other times people just feel that they could do a better job than the person in that role now.
For these situations it is important to remember the lesson that Jesus taught in Mark 10:35-45. Here James and John approach Jesus and ask to be given the right hand and left hand positions in His kingdom. Perhaps they felt worthy of these positions. Perhaps they believed themselves to be the greatest disciples. Perhaps they thought it was available for whoever asked first. Whatever their motivation was, their desire is common and seen often in the church.
Jesus explained that seeking greatness in the kingdom of God is not wrong, but you have to seek it the right way. The right way is not to take advantage of a person or situation, and not to step ahead of or on top of others. The right way to seek greatness in God’s kingdom is to be a servant of all.
Even though Jesus makes this clear, people can become very frustrated. The person in authority becomes the enemy in their eyes. They have this passion, this vision, these gifts and skills, and if only you would get out of their way they could do so much for God. Here is what I will often share with these kinds of people: If your God is not big enough to put you in the role that you are “supposed” to be in, you need a bigger God.
The reality is that Jesus is the head of the church. He has all authority. It is God who gives roles, positions, and responsibility in the church. No pastor or leader has that authority! Only God does, and He is big enough to accomplish His will in the church.
Do you want to be great? Be a servant of all and trust God to put you where He wants you.
Psalms 75:5-7, Do not lift up your horn on high; Do not speak with a stiff neck. For exaltation comes neither from the east Nor from the west nor from the south. But God is the Judge: He puts down one, And exalts another. (NKJV)