Do you ever come across a verse of scripture that simultaneously uplifts you while perhaps also causing just a little tinge of pain?
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When some of Jesus’ disciples sought to receive a promise of elevated status in the kingdom of heaven, The Savior paused to teach a powerful lesson about leadership, recognition, status, and authority.
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Paraphrasing the Savior’s words …
“In the world … leaders work through dominion … through status … through recognition … through authority.
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“But it shouldn’t be this way with you.
Follow the example I’ve set for you …
Lead through service.
Lead through ministering
Lead through sacrifice
Lead through giving.”
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I’m uplifted because the Spirit testifies this is true.
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I’m pained by the distance between where we are (where I am) and the Savior’s invitation.
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How would our lives change if could truly absorb this teaching from the Savior?
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It would transform our homes
… our families
… our church experience
… our business relationships.
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I spend much of my time in corporate environments where leadership through dominion is the standardized norm,
… where productivity and execution are the priority over people,
… where individuals are required to compete with one another for recognition
… where we’re counseled to be self-seeking and self-promoting.
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And there is a real tendency to carry that mentality into our homes, our church service, our relationships.
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But the Savior’s counsel stands in stark contrast to such environments.
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And I feel a pull to be better
… as a father
… as a husband
… in my church service
… in my business relationships
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Mathew 20:25-28
“Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.”
“But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;”
“And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
“Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” – Jesus Christ