THE MARK OF LEADERSHIP

THE MARK OF LEADERSHIP

READ:
Mark 10:35-45

Whoever of you desires
to be first shall be slave
of all.  -Mark 10:44

While visiting the campus of Purdue University on a frigid winter day, I came upon two young men chipping away thick ice on the sidewalk next to a fraternity house.  Thinking they must be underclassmen who had been assigned the tough job by older fraternity brothers, I said, "They didn't tell you about this when you joined, did they?"  One looked up with a smile and said, "Well, we're both upperclassmen.  I'm the fraternity vice-president and my friend here is the president."  I thanked them for their hard work and went on my way having been reminded that serving others is the mark of a true leader.

When two of Jesus' disciples asked Him for positions of honor in His coming kingdom, the Lord gathered His twelve closest followers and told them, "Whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant.  And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all" (Mark 10:43-44).  If there was any doubt about what Jesus meant, He reminded them that He had not come to be served but to serve others and to give His life to ransom them from the power of sin (v.45).

The mark of true, godly leadership is not power and privilege, but humble service.  God gives us strength to follow Jesus' example and to lead His way.  -David McCasland

The paths of leadership are trod
By those who humbly walk with God.
Their gracious spirit holds a sway
That makes you want to go their way. -D. DeHaan
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A qualified leader is one who has learned to serve.

INSIGHT
James and John were brothers (Mark 1:19) and part of Jesus' inner circle (Mark 5:37; 9:2).  They may have been Jesus' cousins.  Their mother Salome was probably Mary's (Jesus' mother) sister (Matthew 27:56; Mark 15:40; John 19:25).

Have a blessed day.
God Our Creator's Love Always
Unity & Peace