For the body of Christ to be resurrected in this moment, and take its place of authority on the earth, we must look past denomination, popularity, nuances of belief and into the eyes of Jesus. The One we all serve. It is through Christ that we will find unity as believers.
As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit- just as you were called to one hope when you were called- one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, Who is over all and through all and in all. Ephesians 4:1-6
We must remember that God wasn’t interested in us making our own disciples. If everyone is capable of hearing God’s voice and if we desire that all have a personal relationship with Jesus, then we simply make ourselves devoted to leading others into His presence and then allowing them to connect with Him on their own. Isn’t that the ultimate goal…Equipping others to know Him and follow Him?
At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the essence of prophecy is to give a clear witness for Jesus. Revelation 19:10
We have never been poor in “leaders” …in fact, it seems sometimes that every single person is desperate to lead and have a title.
What if we instead became ushers.
Usher: a person who shows people to their seats especially in a theater or at a wedding. An assistant teacher. Show or guide. Cause or mark the start of something new.
What if we remembered that it is all about Jesus. All should point toward Him. He is the essence of everything good.
For too long the body of Christ has become obsessed with offices and positions, at the high cost of losing focus on the One true thing. Our first Love. Jesus.
It’s so easy to become self-centered. It’s easy to get puffed up with people’s praise. Becoming a celebrity Christian is so common, that instead of pursuing Jesus, many are pursuing that…celebrity status.
We must remember that Jesus came to serve, not be served. He was born in a manger. He wasn’t forged in glamour. He was already God, yet chose to come to earth as a man…as a baby…and to humbly pave the way for us. He came to understand and to lead. I honestly can’t think of a single of leader who has acted in such selfless ways. None of us can attain the humility He displayed.
We would be wise to remember all of this.
When we see others walking out their salvation in ways we don’t understand, the question is, Is it really any of our business?
My walk with God and toward being transformed into His likeness has often times looked like the opposite. But now, on this side of things I can see His transformational hand on every moment, even those moments when I was willfully choosing sin. I’m not proud of the times I willfully sin, but I am very grateful that God remains steady and gently leads me back to His heart. He is confident enough to allow it. He’s so humble. He doesn’t rant and rage and demand. Thankfully, He just continually invites.
We don’t need many leaders…in fact, we only need One.
Next time you feel compelled to be the leader because “nobody can do it but you”, just remember, that’s absolutely untrue. There is One Who is always there, ready to lead all who will follow…if we will simply get out of the way.
“But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” Joshua 24:15
365 Days in the Presence 