I was in a Church meeting recently where people were being called into leadership position. Their first ‘leadership responsibility’ was to wash the feet of some members of the congregation as modelled by Jesus and his disciples. While that was going on, I simply told myself; “There is no way this people will assume these offices and not truly serve.”
FRIEND, LEADERSHIP IN ITS PUREST AND SIMPLEST FORM IS SERVICE. It is not a position you occupy or a title you bear. The purpose of position is to serve and title does nothing than identify you with your work and your relevance. Aside that, there is no entitlement in title. Stop looking for a position, start looking for opportunity to serve (Philippians 2:19-22).
OUR LIVES MUST BE SUMMED UP IN THESE; SERVICE TO GOD AND SERVICE TO HUMANITY (Acts 13:36). In fact, the way to truly serve God is to serve people (Nehemiah 2:10). Wherever people are, service abounds and wherever service is rendered, leadership is released. GREAT LEADERS ARE NOT LOOKING FOR A SEAT TO SIT, THEY ARE SIMPLY LOOKING FOR AN OPPORTUNITY TO SERVE.
“He chose David also his servant, AND TOOK HIM FROM THE SHEEPFOLDS” (Psalms 78:70). When people say that they are not given leadership opportunity, I simply know they are only looking for position, not wanting to truly serve. IF YOU ARE SERVING YOU ARE ALREADY LEADING. Service identifies you before people. We call someone a doctor, lawyer, chef, pastor etc. because of what they do, not where they seat.
GOD CHOOSES PEOPLE FROM THEIR SERVICE POINT. David was called to lead the nation of Israel from following sheep (Psalms 78:70-72). Amaziah was called into prophetic ministry from gathering sycamore fruit (Amos 7:14-15). Saul was chosen as the king of Israel from looking for his father’s lost donkey (1 Samuel 9:1-16). JESUS CAME TO EARTH TO SERVE THE WILL OF THE HEAVENLY FATHER (Philippians 2:5-11).
Service is the route to relevance (Genesis 39:1-6, Acts 13:36). DON’T SEEK TO BE KNOWN; YOUR SERVANT HEART AND ACT WILL ALWAYS IDENTIFY YOU AMONG MEN. Use every opportunity to serve; at your work place, Church, neighborhood, campus, family etc. Be available. Be responsible. Be accountable. Be dependable (1 Corinthians 15:58). LEADERSHIP IS SERVICE.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Church
Akure, Nigeria