Who do you allow to influence your faith?
Or even to gain a place in the inner circle of those who persuade your life decisions?
I certainly hope the eligibility criteria for such people includes their measure of dedication to your best interests.
You see, if somebody doesn’t place our interests ahead of his or her own, then to one extent or another, they are simply using us.
And that’s not good.
Of course, the reverse is true. If we’re not putting others first, we’re using them.
What a failure of faith.
Jesus defined a key criterium for who should influence our lives.
It’s one we should practice toward others as well.
“Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant” (Matthew 19:26).
Our congregation is voting on elders and deacons this Sunday. I’ll be calling upon the members to vote for the men on the ballot only if they believe the men are committed to serving the membership with all their hearts.
If someone is not committed to serving my best interests, then I certainly don’t want them leading my congregation.
And the same test should apply to me as the pastor.
Others first.
It’s the right philosophy and practice.
Be a leader in your home or in your workplace or in your school or in your congregation.
Serve others first.
It’s what Jesus did.
It’s what we’re to do.
As always, I love you
Martin
