Do you want to achieve social success? There are a number of possible approaches to achieving this goal, but one of the most tried and true strategies is to focus on leadership. In other words, learn how to convince others to do what you want. They do most of the work and you get most of the praise.
However, what if you decide to achieve godly success instead? How will you do this? In this case, the focus needs to be on “following”—learning how to become a better servant. Instead of using someone else to achieve your goals and objectives, you strive to serve people by helping them achieve their own goals and aspirations.
If you walk into any bookstore or library, or do a search on an online retail site, you can find countless books offering different perspectives on leadership. The same applies to seminars, conferences and retreats: we have a seemingly endless number of options that offer multiple perspectives on what it takes to become an effective leader.
However, there is one Book that demonstrates and teaches the immediate and eternal value of being a servant follower. It's called the Bible. In it we find many stories about those who today would be called “influential persons.” Their influence was one of selfless service to others.
We can find no better example than Jesus Christ, who said: “For the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). How did He do it? Christ performed miracles of healing, fed crowds of people, and even resurrected people several times. His earthly life was an example of giving, not receiving.
But the greatest feat of Jesus is that He voluntarily went to the cross to die and suffer punishment for the sins of mankind. “But God demonstrates His love toward us in this, that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). From a human perspective, Jesus' "ultimate sacrifice" seemed like a failure, but from an eternal perspective, it was the most successful moment of all time.
As business and professional people, we want to understand the formula for success. We often think that if we can take into account all the necessary input data, then we will control the output data. Sometimes this works, but often our success or failure is the result of factors beyond our control.
The problem is that we have limits, limited in time and space. God is infinite and eternal. His ways and goals are far beyond ours. “My thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the Lord” (Isaiah 55:8). Therefore, our faith and trust in Him - our submission to His will and plans - are important but mysterious elements that none of our formulas can calculate.
What kind of success are you looking for? What we really want is evidenced by where we spend our time, which controls our attention. Each of us must make a decision. Today. And tomorrow. And the next day. Should we strive for social success? Jesus said, “For what does it profit a man if he gains the whole world and loses his own soul?” (Mark 8:36). Once we make a decision, we have to live with the eternal consequences. A sign of maturity is the willingness to delay immediate gratification for long-term gain.
Ken Korkow lives in Omaha, Nebraska, USA. He works as a regional director for CBMC. The material is adapted from his column “The Fax of Life.” Used with permission of the author.
Questions for reflection/discussion
NOTE. If you have a Bible and want to read more, consider the following passages: Psalm 32:11; Matthew 6:24,33–34, 16:25–27; Ephesians 5:15-16; Colossians 3:17, 23-24.
Difficult task
During the coming week, reflect on what you have read and discussed in this Monday Manna. What kind of success are you striving for? Are you focusing on the right things? If you are a leader, do you lead people so that they can help you achieve your goals, or do you seek to serve them in achieving their goals and objectives? Find a trusted friend who can help you navigate these important questions.
