5Recently, I was in a church meeting where people were called into leadership positions. 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 these people will assume these offices and not truly serve.”
Friend, there is the heart of service, and there is the act of service. Leadership in its purest and simplest form is service. It is not a position you occupy or a title you bear. There is no entitlement in title. The purpose of position is to serve, and the title does nothing other than identify you with your work and your relevance. Stop looking for a position. Start looking for an opportunity to serve (Philippians 2:19-22).
Our lives must be summed up in these; service to God and 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.
When people say that they are not given leadership opportunity, I simply know they are only looking for position, not wanting to truly serve (Psalms 78:70). 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 he does, not where he sits.
God chooses people from their service point. David was called to lead the nation of Israel from following sheep (Psalms 78:70-72). Amos 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 the earth to serve the will of His heavenly Father (Philippians 2:5-11).
Service is the secret of 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. Maximize every opportunity to serve at your workplace, church, neighbourhood, campus, family, etc. Be available. Be responsible. Be accountable. Be dependable (1 Corinthians 15:58). You need the heart and act of service.
‘Demola Awoyele
Lead Pastor,
Destiny Impact Churc