Day 72 Through The Bible

Day 72: The Humble Role of Leadership and Service in God's Kingdom

In life, authority is a powerful concept. Leadership structures are essential for maintaining order and purpose in the workplace, family, or community. But in God’s Kingdom, leadership is not defined the same way as in the world. God establishes authority, but His perspective on authority is one of service, humility, and a desire to see all people fulfill their role to glorify Him.

Biblical Principle: God’s Design for Authority and Service

God’s Word teaches us that He establishes authority in all aspects of life. He places people in positions of authority, but these roles are not meant to be an end goal. Instead, being an authority is a responsibility given by God to serve others and glorify Him. Those in authority are not meant to elevate themselves but to be vessels through which God's will is accomplished.

Take a look at Numbers 11:25-30. In this passage, God instructs Moses to appoint seventy elders to assist him in leading the people of Israel. The Spirit of God rests upon these men, and they prophesy as a sign of God’s empowerment. However, two men—Eldad and Medad—were absent from the assembly but still received the Spirit and prophesied in the camp. When a young man runs to Moses to report this, Joshua, Moses’ assistant, suggests stopping them, thinking that this disrupts the established order.

But Moses responds with grace and humility, saying, “Would God that all the LORD's people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!” (Numbers 11:29). This shows that, although Moses had been given authority over the people, his heart's desire was for everyone to be filled with the Spirit of God, serving Him regardless of their position. According to Moses, true authority is not about holding power over others; it is about humbling oneself to serve God's purposes.

This reflects a key aspect of God's Kingdom: authority is not a means to exalt oneself but an opportunity to serve and build up others. No one is relegated to a lesser role in God’s plan. Whether in positions of authority or not, every person is called to serve and glorify God in their role.

Practical Application: Humility in Submission and Leadership

Both those who lead and those who follow are commanded to be humble. Authority in God’s Kingdom comes with responsibility. Leaders are called not to rule with pride or self-interest but to serve and guide with a willing heart and a humble spirit. The Bible clarifies in 1 Peter 5:1-7 that those in leadership should not lord over those entrusted to them but should serve as examples to the flock. The passage begins by saying:

“The elders which are among you I exhort, who am also an elder… Feed the flock of God… not by constraint, but willingly; not for filthy lucre, but of a ready mind; Neither as being lords over God’s heritage, but being examples to the flock.” (1 Peter 5:1-3)

Leaders are meant to guide with humility and serve those under their care. Their leadership reflects Christ’s love, not a means to elevate themselves. As Jesus demonstrated throughout His life, true greatness comes not from being served but from serving others. Jesus, the ultimate authority, washed His disciples' feet and humbled Himself to the point of death on a cross.

This leads to the command for all believers, regardless of position, to “be subject one to another, and be clothed with humility” (1 Peter 5:5). Humility is not a passive trait but an active choice to place others above ourselves. Whether in authority or submission, the ultimate goal is to reflect God’s love and character.

Peter concludes this passage with a powerful reminder: “Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time: Casting all your care upon Him; for He careth for you” (1 Peter 5:6-7). Humbling ourselves is an act of trust in God, knowing that He will exalt us when the time is right. God cares for us deeply and will lift us in His perfect timing.

Conclusion: Serving God in Humility

God desires to use all willing to humble themselves, regardless of whether they hold positions of authority. In His Kingdom, no one is inferior, and no role is insignificant. Whether a leader or a servant, you are called to reflect God’s glory through humility, submission, and service.

As we reflect on the words of Moses and Peter, let us remember that being an authority is not about power or status. It is about serving others and pointing them to Christ. Leaders should rejoice when others step up to serve, which lightens the burden and fulfills God’s purpose. All believers, whether in leadership or not, are called to serve and glorify God, demonstrating His love to the world through humility and obedience.

May we all humble ourselves under God’s mighty hand and be used for His glory, trusting He will exalt us in due time.