Hypothetical situation; let’s say there is someone out there who takes every opportunity to toot their own horn so they are considered indispensable and should be adored for their contribution to the success of a project. They spend more time maneuvering their position through self-glorifying conversations and boastful actions to promote their own ideation of self-worth. Combine this with their need to stay at the top by downplaying the contribution of those around them and you have the making of a very fragile team dynamic. You see, if those who are relying on the accuracy of the person who is acting in a very self-serving manner, more focused on self over the whole, they come to discover the message was false, the whole team can suffer and even break once the truth comes to light. Remember, this is only hypothetical, but I have not only run across this in a variety of situations but have been guilty of being that person at times. I can say this, true strength of leadership through a servant attitude does not come from a boastful position but rather from a position of support and care of one who is dedicated to the community rather than self.
Jesus came and told his disciples, “I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Matt 28:18-20 NLT
All power and authority is given as a gift from God to go out into all nations baptizing and teaching in the name of the Lord, not in the name of the individual. Be careful of those who teach and preach but do so to bring glory to self over the Almighty. The Truth is for the benefit of the whole of creation and not for the glorification of any one individual. There was not one specific disciple singled out in this message from Matthew 28, they all had the same message to relay to the world. In 1 Cor 15:9- 10 NLT, Paul even claimed that;
“...I am the least of all the apostles. In fact, I’m not even worthy to be called an apostle after the way I persecuted God’s church. But whatever I am now, it is all because God poured out his special favor on me—and not without results. For I have worked harder than any of the other apostles; yet it was not I but God who was working through me by his grace.”
So here is a thought, when it comes to dealing with those who are focused on self over the needs of the whole, let them boast and yammer on because the truth will be revealed. For me, I have come to understand that I am not in this for the recognition of self but to glorify God in my words and actions, addressing the needs of those in our community.
Oh, don’t worry; we wouldn’t dare say that we are as wonderful as these other men who tell you how important they are! But they are only comparing themselves with each other, using themselves as the standard of measurement. How ignorant! We will not boast about things done outside our area of authority. We will boast only about what has happened within the boundaries of the work God has given us, which includes our working with you. 2 Cor 10:12-13 NLT
The Main Avenue service will be broadcast online (see links below), or you are more than welcome to join us in person at 402 Main Ave. W in Sundre, AB.
Blessing,
Our Mission “To live the love of Christ”
