Superiority in Church

Because leaders oversee the ministry and bear much responsibility, one could assume that they hold a higher place than other members of the body, that they are more important and more essential to the work, that they have the upper edge.

That assumption, however, doesn't seem to fit into God's economy:

• God views every member of the body as important and needed. (1 Cor. 12:22-25)
• God gives the grace and power needed for everyone to do their part, regardless of who the person is and what the Spirit has assigned for that person to do. (Rom. 12:3-8; 1 Cor. 12:11)
• God opposes pride which tends to be at the root of a sense of superiority to others. (Prov. 8:13; 16:5; James 4:6)
• God promotes servanthood, not a hierarchy of one person at the top and the others beneath the leader. (Matt. 20:25-28)
• God defines love as that which "does not boast," "is not proud," and "is not self-seeking." (1 Cor. 13:4, 5)

A position of leadership does not equal superiority, simply a different role with different responsibilities than others. God gifted you to lead just as He empowers others to do their parts.

Lesson from Jesus about Humility, Not Superiority:

James and John, two of Jesus' disciples, asked Jesus for the privilege of sitting one on each side of Him in glory ... a place of honor, like as though they deserved an edge over the other disciples.

Jesus' Exhortation: Using your position to control others is worldly.

Jesus called them together and said, "You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." (Mk. 10:42-44)

Jesus' Example: Effectively leading requires humility, having the heart of a servant.

For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. (Mk. 10:45)

Lessons from Jesus on Relating with Others

:

Jesus did not let His position (God, the highest position there could be) affect His attitude among those He served.

Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross! (Phil. 2:5-8)

Lesson for Leaders:

Work in harmony with those in lower positions. Don't let pride get in the way of accepting input and help from them. (Rom. 12:16; 2 Cor. 1:24) - "All of you (that includes leaders), clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, because, 'God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.'" (1 Pet. 5:5)

Jesus waited for God to raise Him up. He did not exalt Himself.

And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself and became obedient to death -- even death on a cross! Therefore God exalted him to the highest place and gave him the name that is above every name ... (Phil. 2:8-9)

Lesson for Leaders:

You don't need the affirmation and applause of others. To pursue that in your leadership only leads to shame and trouble. (Phil. 2:9; Matt. 23:5-12; Mk. 10:37-40; Lk. 14:7-11; 1 Cor. 4:1-8) And, you end up crowding out your need for God. (Ps. 10:4)

Caution: Do not fall into the trap of false humility.

The Apostle Paul, one of the greatest church leaders, understood that he was who he was because of God's grace, yet he still acknowledged how God used him (1 Cor. 15:10). At the end of the day, God gets the glory. He will use you, but He is the One who brings the growth, not you (1 Cor. 3:5-11).

From TrainChurchLeaders.com

An Old Cowboy Attends Church

One Sunday morning an old cowboy entered a church just before services were to begin.  Although the old man and his clothes were very worn and ragged, in his hand he carried a worn old hat and an equally worn out old Bible.

The church he entered was in a very upscale and exclusive part of the city.  It was the largest and the most beautiful church the old cowboy had ever seen.  It had high cathedral ceilings, ornate statues, beautiful murals and stained glass windows, plush carpet and velvet like cushioned pews.  The building must have cost many millions of dollars to build and maintain. The men, women and children of the congregation were all dressed in the finest and most expensive suits, dresses, shoes and jewelry the old cowboy had ever witnessed.  As the poorly dressed cowboy took a seat, the others moved away from him.  No one greeted him.  No one welcomed him.  No one offered a handshake.  No one spoke to him.  They were all appalled at his appearance and did not attempt to hide the fact.  

There were many glances in his direction as the others frowned and commented among themselves about his shabby attire.  A few chuckles and giggles came from some of the younger members.  The preacher gave a long sermon about hell fire and brimstone and a stern lecture on how much money the church needed to do God's work.  When the offering plate was passed, thousands of dollars came pouring forth.  As soon as the service was over, the congregation hurried out; once again no one spoke or even nodded to the stranger in the ragged clothes and boots.  As the old cowboy was leaving the church, the preacher approached him.  Instead of welcoming him, the preacher asked the cowboy to do him favor.  "Before you come back in here again, have a talk with God and ask Him what He thinks would be appropriate attire for worshipping in this church," the old preacher said.

The cowboy assured the preacher he would do that and left.

The very next Sunday morning the old cowboy showed back up for the services, wearing the same ragged jeans, shirt, boots and hat.  Once again the congregation was appalled at his appearance.  He was completely shunned and ignored again. 

 The preacher noticed the man still wearing his ragged clothes, and boots, and instead of beginning his sermon, stepped down from the pulpit and walked over to where the man sat alone. 

 "I thought I asked you to speak to God before you came back to our church," the preacher said.  "I did," replied the cowboy.  "If you spoke to God, what did He tell you the proper attire should be for worshipping in here?" asked the preacher.  "Well sir," said the cowboy, "God told me that he wouldn't have the slightest idea what was appropriate attire for worshipping in your church, He says He's never even been in here."