Learn to serve

oge okonkwo

July 5, 2015 7:36 AM

If you are a leader, rather than worrying how you are treated, please learn to put your team members first.

The Bible

Bible verse for today: Proverbs 25:6 (NIV) Do not exalt yourself in the king’s presence, and do not claim a place among his great men;

Wherever you are, try to humble yourself and give your best, even if your efforts are not recognised.

Always seek to add value to the lives you come in contact with. If you are working in an organisation, always go the extra mile to ensure that the corporate goal is achived. Do more than you are paid for.

If you are a leader, rather than worrying how you are treated, please learn to put your team members first. Make an effort to meet your their needs.

The Word for Today devotional by United Christian Broadcasters (UCB) says:

Aspiring to leadership is commendable. Paul said, ‘…If someone aspires to be an elder, he desires an honourable position’ (1 Timothy 3:1 NLT). But there’s a difference between stepping forward to take on the responsibility of leadership, and stepping forward to project yourself into the limelight. Harry Truman said, ‘If you can’t stand the heat, stay out of the kitchen.’

The question isn’t whether you enjoy being the focus of attention, but whether you can take the heat that goes along with it. For every person who acknowledges your skills and appreciates your accomplishments, there’ll be ten who make demands on your time, talent and treasure.

Consider Barnabas. When the Gospel was first preached to the Gentiles, church leaders in Jerusalem sent Barnabas to check it out. ‘When he came and had seen the grace of God, he was glad, and encouraged them all that with purpose of heart they should continue with the Lord. For he was a good man, full of the Holy Spirit and…faith.

And a great many people were added to the Lord’ (Acts 11:23-24 NKJV). Barnabas had three sterling qualities:

1) He’d nothing to prove. He never sought the limelight. When he mentored Paul, he happily let the emerging apostle rise above him, supporting him every step of the way.

2) He’d nothing to lose. He didn’t seek to guard his reputation or fear losing his popularity. He wanted to serve, not be served. 3) He’d nothing to hide. He didn’t try to maintain a faҫade or image. He remained authentic, vulnerable and transparent and, best of all, he rejoiced in the success of others.

oge okonkwo