LEADERSHIP IN GOD’S KINGDOM IS DIFFERENT THAN IN THE WORLD

Word from the Center
Written By Dr. Gregory Seltz

WORD FROM THE CENTER: MONDAY, MARCH 18, 2024

Welcome to “Word from The Center” MONDAY, a devotional word from the Center of our faith, Jesus Christ, with reflections on His Word. I’m Gregory Seltz. Today’s passage is Mark 10:42-45, where the Bible tells us,

42 Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles domineer over them; and their people in high position exercise authority over them. 43 But it is not this way among you; rather, whoever wants to become prominent among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wants to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

LEADERSHIP IN GOD’S KINGDOM IS DIFFERENT THAN IN THE WORLD

There is no such thing as “generic” servant leadership. Or is there? Whenever I read this passage of Scripture, all the servant leadership programs in our world today immediately come to my mind. And it’s not just Christian colleges or businesses who espouse such things. Evidently, there’s an eastern and a western philosophical view of servant leadership. They both call for leaders to be empathetic and active listeners who serve their employees rather than just boss them around. Okay, I get it. It’s about empowering others so that they become the best they can be in whatever job or vocation they’re in. To me it sounds a lot like a brand of leadership which cherishes the people whom one gets to lead. But here’s the thing. If this is so simple and straightforward, why do we have so few examples of genuine servant leadership? The problem is not necessarily with the program or the principles; it’s with the people, don’t you think? As leaders, we tend to be arrogant, vain, and self-serving, even when telling ourselves that we have everyone else’s best interests at heart. And when we are privileged to work for people who are willing do things for us that we don’t deserve, we tend not to be thankful. Instead, we grow to expect all of that, as if we deserved it all along. (Remember the story of the man sitting on his porch who gave a passerby $10 every day for a week? At the beginning of the second week, he gave no money which elicited the reply, “Hey, where’s my $10?”).

To overcome both our aversion to and natural suspicion of servant leadership, maybe we need examples of people who had real authority, power, and position, and yet used it for the betterment of others. I love this story about General George Washington: One day, dressed in civilian clothes, he rode past a group of soldiers repairing a defensive barrier. Their leader was shouting instructions, but making no attempt to help. When the unrecognized Washington asked the leader why he would not help, he retorted with great dignity, “Sir, I am a corporal!” The stranger apologized, dismounted, and proceeded to help the exhausted soldiers. And when the job was done, he turned to the corporal and said, “Mr. Corporal, next time you have a job like this and not enough men to do it, go to your commander-in-chief, and I will come and help you again.”1

In our text Jesus demonstrates genuine servant leadership. Yet it seems so foreign to our world because sinful people are more comfortable domineering and exercising authority over others. As selfish people, when all is said and done, we tend to want other people to do what we want. To remedy all of this, we don’t merely need a good example, like the one George Washington provided. We need a Savior who truly leaves His place of power and serves others who don’t deserve it so that they can be reconciled and redeemed to the God who alone makes life worth living, both now and forever. In today’s reading Jesus declares that He did not come to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many. When you fully comprehend that, then leadership in His kingdom isn’t just a strategy for economic or business success. It’s a way of life that will last forever. I think I’ll try to better understand and live out the kind of servant leadership that flows from the person and work of Jesus, rather than those based on some generic philosophical principles, no matter how correct they might look on paper. How about you?

PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, give us an appreciation for all that You gave up so that we might be reconciled to God. Let that reality sink in and then guide us to serve others in Your name. AMEN.

1 https://www.leadersbeacon.com/the-power-of-servant-leadership/

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Straight Talk about What Matters
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IN CHRIST, THE BLIND REALLY DO “SEE”

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WITH GOD, THINGS ARE ALWAYS “IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE.”
WITH GOD, THINGS ARE ALWAYS “IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE.”


Have you ever been so overwhelmed by something that you finally gave in? In a moment of exasperation, you concluded, “There’s nothing else that I can do; I can’t handle this.” I think we’ve all faced that to some degree. There are issues in life that so overwhelm us it seems as though life itself has become impossible to face. Jesus often shakes us up by pointing out “the impossible” in our lives, while at the same time offering God’s possibilities even then. Amazing! Unclean lepers are healed instantly. People blind from birth suddenly see clearly, both physically and spiritually. Who is this Savior who shows us the depth of our depravity just so that He can demonstrate even more clearly God’s gracious salvation? He’s the Savior who, when it comes to eternal life and salvation, reminds that “with man this is impossible, but not with God; with God all things are possible.”  

DON’T FORGET YOUR VALUABLE!
DON’T FORGET YOUR VALUABLE!

I know, I know, you are worried about my grammar. You think the title should be “Don’t Forget, You’re (You ARE) Valuable,” right? Or, you might think my title should be “Don’t Forget Your ‘Valuables,’” not “Valuable!” Well, I wrote the title as it was meant to be written. For this devotion, the word needs to be VALUABLE. I meant to write that word in the singular because this lesson is talking about the ONE thing in your life that is the key to it all. In our lesson for today, an individual comes up to Jesus and asks the million-dollar question, “Good teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” That’s the big question; that’s the one that really matters. You see, the Bible talks about life as precious, purposeful, and eternal. Those three all go together. Jesus wants you to know that your life is eternal; you are not just here today and gone tomorrow. He wants you to know that you are precious to Him, that your life matters to Him.

AN “ALL IN” SAVIOR!
AN “ALL IN” SAVIOR!

When I first came to Washington, D.C., in 2006 for a class in my PhD program, we were privileged to speak with many congressional leaders personally. Bill Hecht, a Lutheran pastor-turned influential lobbyist in Washington, lined up various leaders from the House and the Senate to speak with us about the things that mattered to us as Christians in the politics of the day. I remember visiting with the head of the House Ways and Means Committee at the time. He talked about various legislation saying, “We’re trying to make sure that the Congress has to live by the same rules that they foist on everyone else.” I remember my reaction. I was shocked. I had never thought about the fact that government officials often pass laws that we must follow, while living by another set of rules themselves. Incredible. Health care?

THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - FASHIONED FOR SERVICE!
THE CHRISTIAN LIFE - FASHIONED FOR SERVICE!

It’s always a challenge for me to fully understand what Jesus means in Matthew 5:13-14 when He says that believers are “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world.” I don’t think we realize how inept, yet vital, we are to being conduits of God’s preserving and saving message for the world. In a world of constant refrigeration because of electricity and easy illumination where the lights come on and remain on with just the flip of a switch, being called “salt” and “light” can seem rather mundane. But being described with those terms wasn’t mundane then or now.

UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE!
UNTIL THE JOB IS DONE!

In today’s lesson, Jesus talks about some “tough going” that was above and beyond anything we can handle. Every man, woman, and child in this world is on the path that leads to judgment due to our common sin and rebellion against our Creator. It’s a path that even the toughest among us can’t avoid, period. But then here comes Jesus the Christ. Though He was without sin, He chooses to take up our path. And when the going gets eternally tough, the Savior of the world gets going!

WHEN THINGS ARE IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE!
WHEN THINGS ARE IMPOSSIBLY POSSIBLE!

Our lesson for today comes in the context of another healing event in the ministry of Jesus. It not only demonstrates Christ’s power over all things, but also the power of faith IN HIM amidst all the doubts and struggles that we may be facing. There is so much to learn from the honest confession of the father in this reading. This dad knew what his son needed, but felt helpless in response. He also knew what he needed -- stronger faith. When he meets Jesus, he expresses sentiments something like these:

“I’d like to have great faith, but I know that I’m inadequate, especially now when I need it most. In fact, I’m overcome by circumstances and doubt. Lord Jesus, while I believe, help my unbelief.”

Is There Anyone like Jesus?
Is There Anyone like Jesus?

There’s a question that many are asking today. Actually, people have been asking questions like that for almost 2000 years. Here’s another one: “How can you believe that Jesus is the only Savior, the one that is the Savior for all people?” You can believe it because there is no one like Jesus. You could try to give me another name or show me another savior, but there isn’t one.

Put God’s Protecting, Empowering Armor to Use!
Put God’s Protecting, Empowering Armor to Use!

Have you heard about the class action lawsuit aimed at a company called Second Chance Body Armor? Second Chance manufactures bulletproof vests for police officers and security personnel. Their products are used by hundreds of police departments throughout the country.

Apparently, several policemen have been killed while they were wearing the vest. Following some independent field tests on several of their vests, a flaw was discovered in some of them compromising their ability to do what they were intended to do, to stop a bullet that was fired at those whom the vest was designed to protect.

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God’s “NO” and God’s “YES” – THEY BOTH MATTER FOR OUR LIFE!

When we take God’s Word and try to “domesticate” it, as if it were something we could add to, alter, improve, or manipulate in our futile efforts to fulfill it, we do as the Pharisees did, only to be unmasked and exposed by Jesus. Such confusion creates a false religion based on human rules and works. Jesus says clearly, “You have let go of the commands of God and are holding on to human traditions.” Replacing God’s Word with human observances is empty at best and, at worst, destructive to the eternal life and salvation God desires us all to have as His free gift

WHY LEAVE WHEN YOUR SAVIOR ASKS YOU TO STAY?
WHY LEAVE WHEN YOUR SAVIOR ASKS YOU TO STAY?

I tried to come to grips with the depth of the questions and the issues that are at hand in our text for today. Think about it. There is Jesus in the flesh, the Savior of the world, teaching a group of followers and disciples. Just when Jesus starts to lay things on the line, calling people not just to some generic faith, but faith IN HIM, many who had followed began to leave. This prompts His question to His disciples, “You do not want to leave too, do you?” Wow! That’s almost too hard to imagine.

CAN YOU SEE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED?
CAN YOU SEE WHAT YOU REALLY NEED?

As we think about our text today, we need to be reminded again of the situation that we are in. We are seeking to live the life that we’ve been given by God. But it’s a strenuous one, full of challenges, opportunities, and even dangers. No matter our perceived expertise, there is one thing that finally matters for the climb.

Don’t be Fooled by Things that Don’t last!
Don’t be Fooled by Things that Don’t last!

What do you seek for your life so that it might be what God intends it to be, an eternal one, full of love and grace? Do you seek something that’s merely “shiny?” Do you seek things like the “bread and miracles” that even the religious people of Jesus day yearned to see? Or do you seek what God offers, a reconciled relationship with the one who created you and redeemed you in the person and work of Jesus Christ?

WHEN AFRAID, NOTHING’S LIKE JESUS’ VOICE TO CALM YOUR FEARS!
WHEN AFRAID, NOTHING’S LIKE JESUS’ VOICE TO CALM YOUR FEARS!

This world is a frightening place. So much so that even the most seasoned among us can become unhinged at the challenges before us. Just ask a veteran who has been in combat. Just ask a policeman who must patrol the cities at night. Just ask a person struggling with illness, disease, or the loss of a loved one who meant everything to them. Those are comparable to the fear the disciples of Jesus felt one dark evening on the Sea of Galilee.

God’s Plan for the World, for You!
God’s Plan for the World, for You!

God has a plan for you! He has a plan for us. He has a plan for the whole world. God indeed has a plan. The problem is that we also have our own plans and they eventually fail to remedy what really needs fixing. And, worse, they often don’t jive with God’s plan for us or for others.

FREEDOM IN CHRIST – THE FOUNDATION OF ALL FREEDOMS!
FREEDOM IN CHRIST – THE FOUNDATION OF ALL FREEDOMS!

Throughout the past several years, fear has been “ramped up” in our culture -- fear of disease, fear of disasters, fear of our fellow citizens, and even the fear of the unknown. Sadly, amidst all of these fears, the government continues to stifle the church and its ability to minister to its members and to its community.

BENEVOLENCED BENEVOLENCE - LIVING THE LIFE OF FAITH GENEROUSLY!
BENEVOLENCED BENEVOLENCE - LIVING THE LIFE OF FAITH GENEROUSLY!

The Christian life was meant to be lived “in faith toward [God] and in fervent love toward one another,” and to do so generously. Paul reminds the Corinthians that such a way of life begins with the awesome realization that God loved us generously by sending His Son to die for us so that we might live. God’s merciful and gracious benevolence motivates, empowers, and directs the lives of believers to “benevolence” others as a reflection of His love. In this passage St. Paul challenges believers to look to the needs of others as an opportunity to put their faith in God into action.

REAL PEACE AMIDST THE STORM!
REAL PEACE AMIDST THE STORM!

God’s peace to you amidst whatever “storm” you are facing today.

I think that’s an appropriate greeting for Christians because of the many issues we are encountering in our lives. There are the typical troubles of health and well-being that all of us face, that’s for sure. But there is also an especially vitriolic feeling in America toward anyone or anything that asserts God’s moral limitations to our libertine attitudes of absolute freedom. We know how to protest, but we don’t seem to know how to be virtuous anymore, right? And the attacks on those who even remotely hint at such moral truths are getting more and more noxious by the day.

A BRIDGED GAP CAN STAND IN THE GAP!
A BRIDGED GAP CAN STAND IN THE GAP!

In Washington, D.C., it is truly miraculous when people can bridge the gap between the great divides in our culture without demeaning what is precious to us in the process. In fact, it’s virtually impossible today. Why? Because in life in general, people more and more treat others as enemies to be vanquished, rather than people to be loved and served. And politics, at its core, is ultimately not about service, but power. Oh, people speak about a “benevolent” government, but there is no such thing. When you forcibly tax people, garnish wages, and demand obedience, and then punish those who do not do as the law requires, that’s about power, not benevolence (no matter how much of other people’s money one gives away). When you can force people to do what you demand that they do, that’s about power.

HOPE AMIDST THE STRUGGLE!
HOPE AMIDST THE STRUGGLE!

I’ve been concluding my latest emails and letters with the phrase, “Peace amidst the struggle,” in order to share with people the biblical reality that God is in control even when things look dire. The Christian life is meant to be full of peace, hope, and wonder, and that can always be true, even in the middle of the chaos of this sinful world. For example, one of the hardest lessons to learn as a Christian is that suffering, and trials persist in the lives of those who fervently believe in Jesus. Unfortunately, some see suffering as a sign of a weak faith. Others claim that suffering is proof that God is displeased with a person. Some religions even have names for it, such as “Karma;” others simply view it as “getting what’s coming to you.” Today I’d like to invite you to think differently about the suffering and trials of life so that you can receive God’s peace and hope amidst whatever struggles you might be facing.

LAW AND ORDER VERSUS GRACE, OR BOTH?
LAW AND ORDER VERSUS GRACE, OR BOTH?

Have you ever noticed that there seem to be two kinds of “religious” people? First, there is the “Law and Order” person. That’s the person who knows that there is right and wrong, and also knows that when you do wrong you should be punished. On the other hand, when you do right, you should be rewarded. Of course, if we are honest, wrong thoughts and deeds always seem to overwhelm the right ones.

ETERNAL LIFE IS REAL LIFE!
ETERNAL LIFE IS REAL LIFE!

There’s a caricature out there about the Christian view of life. It goes like this, “Christians are so heavenly minded that they are of no earthly good.” In other words, people accuse Christians of being so focused on eternal life that the issues of today become insignificant to them. Is that really true? Chuck Colson, a ruthless political operative whose later life was transformed by faith in Jesus Christ, realized that life changes when you realize that it is eternal.

THE ONLY DIVERSITY THAT LASTS!
THE ONLY DIVERSITY THAT LASTS!

6 When they heard this sound, a crowd came together in bewilderment, because each one heard their own language being spoken. 7 Utterly amazed, they asked: “Aren’t all these who are speaking Galileans? 8 Then how is it that each of us hears them in our native language? 9 Parthians, Medes and Elamites; residents of Mesopotamia, Judea and Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, 10 Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya near Cyrene; visitors from Rome 11 (both Jews and converts to Judaism); Cretans and Arabs—we hear them declaring the wonders of God in our own tongues!” 12 Amazed and perplexed, they asked one another, “What does this mean?”….. Then Peter stood up with the Eleven, raised his voice and addressed the crowd:….21 “And everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved.”

FOR UNITY, YOU NEED THE TRUTH!
FOR UNITY, YOU NEED THE TRUTH!

In his younger days, Bob Barker, former host of the television show, “The Price is Right,” hosted another show called “Truth or Consequences.” On this program contestants were asked questions and if they gave incorrect answers, there were consequences. There was a penalty for getting things “wrong.” Now the consequences weren’t life threatening. They involved comical stunts which may have been a bit embarrassing, but were endured as good-natured fun. At the close of every program, Barker signed off saying, “Good night, hoping all your consequences are happy ones.” It was an instant and enduring hit from the 1940s through Barker’s time with the show in the 1960s.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE?
ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE?

In All’s Well that Ends Well, William Shakespeare wrote, “Love all, trust a few, do wrong to none.” The Beatles remind us of the same idea in their song, “All You Need Is Love.” But is it really that easy? If love is all we need, if love alone matters, and if love works, then what’s the problem? Why are we as a country at each other’s throats? Why are divorce rates so high? Why are so many people not even getting married at all? Why are children growing up in increasingly broken homes? Why aren’t people loving each other if that is all we need to do? Good question

THE FRUIT-PRODUCING POWER OF FAITH IN CHRIST FOR LIFE!
THE FRUIT-PRODUCING POWER OF FAITH IN CHRIST FOR LIFE!

Many people come to Washington, D.C., because they want to make a difference. They want their lives to matter, to mean something. Who doesn’t? Unfortunately, politics tends to promise what it can’t deliver. In fact, a truly meaningful life is more than politics, more than the accumulation of wealth or influence, and more than one’s vocational skills and abilities can produce. Ironically, the key to a purposeful life isn’t primarily about your works at all. It’s not about “who” you are or what you do, but about “whose” you are. Jesus reminds us that He is the Vine, the source for real, lasting life. We are like branches.

SO WHAT MAKES A LIFE WORTH LIVING?
SO WHAT MAKES A LIFE WORTH LIVING?

The following saying is often wrongly attributed to G.K. Chesterton: “When people stop believing in God, they don’t believe in nothing — they believe in anything.” He actually said that if we stop believing in God we lose our common sense.1 For many, that’s that same thing. When you deny the one who is “the Way, the Truth, and the Life” (John 14:6), and who calls Himself the “Good Shepherd” (John 10:11), you don’t replace Him with nothing. Instead, you tend to replace Him with the most absurd “other things.”

WHAT FIRES BURN IN YOUR HEART TODAY?
WHAT FIRES BURN IN YOUR HEART TODAY?

What a Bible study it must have been that day! On the road to Emmaus, Jesus ROOTED those disciples in the firm promises of the Bible that had come to fruition in Him. Even more, Jesus set their hearts on fire by anchoring their faith in Him in all things (verse 32). That’s a fire which comes from God’s love and grace through faith in the Son of God.

Dr. Gregory Seltz
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