Don’t Be a Leader

“Hey, Coach, can I talk to you for a sec?” 

“Sure, what’s up?” 

“Well, you know my son Johnny has been playing for this team for quite a while now. He’s worked pretty hard in practice and on his own, and he’s really good. I was just thinking that maybe it’s time for him to be Team Captain. He would be a great leader for these other kids. What do you think?” 

Here we see a common scenario...a parent advocating for their child, asking for them to be given an elevated position or permission. The Bible tells us a similar story in Matthew 20:20-28...Mama Zebedee comes to Jesus and asks a favor. She kneels in front of the Master and asks, “Can my sons be leaders in your kingdom?” 

You know the rest of the story...the other disciples get mad at the Zebedees for seeking special treatment. They were probably mad they didn’t ask Jesus first! 

Jesus calls them all together and tells them that His organization operates differently. “...whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” 

The world is looking for great leaders, but Jesus is looking for great servants. Let’s teach our kids not to seek out positions of greatness. Let’s teach them that they are great because they are children of God! Let’s teach them to seek out positions of service. If they are going to “be the best” at anything, let it be in service to others.  

Be a Blessing! 

Franklin