Tuesday, April 9, 2024 His Presence
Tuesday, April 9, 2024:
Pause. Pray. Read. Be still. Write. Pray. Go about your day or turn in for the night.
Read: Luke 22:24-26 Who’s the GOAT
Within minutes they were bickering over who of them would end up the greatest. But Jesus intervened: “Kings like to throw their weight around and people in authority like to give themselves fancy titles. It’s not going to be that way with you.
Let the senior among you become like the junior; let the leader act the part of the servant.”
(Luke 22:24-26, Message)
Muhammed Ali was the self-declared Greatest of All Time (GOAT) in boxing. News media declared Simone Biles the GOAT of women’s gymnastics. Ilia Malinin is on his way to being the GOAT of men’s figure skating after achieving a historic six quadruple jumps.
Who wouldn’t want to achieve GOAT-status in the eyes of others? Because as one moves closer to or achieves GOAT status, we can relax and take life easier, right? Really not so much, at least not as a Christian.
I hoped one day to be a GOAT leader. Yet, as I rose up the organizational ladder, I discovered each new role was less about me and what I accomplished and much more about serving and supporting those who directly or indirectly reported to me. The Executive Vice President of my division confirmed that epiphany at a leadership meeting after laying out annual goals and strategies. He scanned the room of directors and vice-presidents before saying, “Let me assure you, I don’t have the power to achieve these goals. As EVP, all I can do is help remove barriers in your way, advocate for you, make resources available to you, and give you the runway to find creative solutions to the challenges ahead.”
In my eyes, that EVP was a GOAT in Christ’s economy. True greatness lies not in getting but in giving; not in demanding service but in giving service. Servant-hearted power empowers. Rather than seeking personal recognition, it enables us to empower and support those around us. Just as Jesus modeled servant leadership, he calls us to lead the way by serving with humility and confidence.
Be still and Reflect: How does the pursuit of “GOAT” status contrast with the principles of servant leadership and humility in the Christian faith? How can you demonstrate servant leadership in the coming week?
Pray: Lord, help me to understand that true greatness lies not in seeking recognition for myself, but in serving others with humility and compassion. Teach me to lead as a servant, following the example of Christ who came not to be served, but to serve. May my actions and attitude bring glory to You, the source of all power and greatness. Through the power in the name of Jesus, Amen.
By His Grace,
Gloria