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““The Way Up is Down -- Leading by Serving””

Thoughts for Today:

In our passage today, Paul is basically saying that managers are not to rule through intimidation. In fact, just as employees are obeying their employers with respect and sincerity, employers are to value their employees’ dedication and workmanship.

It certainly would be comforting to know that all of our earthly bosses would choose to serve the Lord in the way they administered their responsibilities. Unfortunately, that is not always the case. The Lord teaches that if a manager (or anyone else) wants to be great, they need to be better servants. (Matthew 20:27: “…and whoever wants to be first must be your slave.”) This is a much over-looked management principle. The Lord didn’t place people in charge so they could make threats and order others around. Rather, He placed them in a position of authority to serve.

At this point, some managers might say, “Wait a minute, if I served instead of ruled, no one would respect me, and then no one would obey. It just won’t work.” That might be true if there was no God, and He did not intervene in the affairs of humanity. The strong would always rule the weak. There would be no exceptions. But God does exist and He promises that if people humble themselves He will exalt them. (Luke 14:11: “For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”) So if a manager truly wants God’s help, inspiration and direction, the way up (to greater achievement, reward and responsibility) is down. In other words, the best and most impacting leadership is accomplished through serving.

Questions to Ponder:

Paul reminds those in charge of earthly affairs that they too have a Master who holds them accountable for the way they treat those who are under their care and management. If you are a manager, would you like to be one of your employees? Are you properly representing the Lord in your profession? How can you improve? (James 2:13: “Because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment.”)

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About the author

Pocket Devotions are written by Mike Brooks. A retired businessman, he is Moderator of South Shores church, leads the Deacon Board, serves on the finance committee, and he teaches a Men's Bible study and the Men's Ministry. Mike has a passion for evangelical missions. He is the husband of Sherry; the father of Ryan, Natalie, Krissy, Rebecca, and Amanda; the father-in-law of Ariel; and the grandfather of Conner and Christian.