Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves. For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. (Luke 22:25-27)
The one who rules must be like the one who serves. In my kingdom there are indeed leaders and those who “rule” but the way they rule is not according to the rulers of the world, it is a way that resembles those who serve. To define leadership, you must look closely at those who serve: A servant is not a lesser person, but one who intentionally chooses the lesser place. A servant, while having needs of his own, chooses to place a higher priority on the needs of others. A servant influences the household, not by being the center of attention, but by keeping things stable and in order in the household. A servant has individual rights but will sometimes give up those rights for the good of those he serves. It is impossible to model the life of Jesus without fully embracing the mindset and the lifestyle of a servant.
**I’ve included another excerpt from that day’s journal that was more for me personally. Perhaps it will speak to you as well **
I want you to intentionally keep your heart clean from the politics of the kingdom of the world. Be determined to put your hope only in the gospel and not on any political party or leader. Follow the news as a way of knowing how to pray, or don’t follow it at all. I want you to take a break from following political commentators and comedians and satirists, not because they are wrong in what they say, but wrong in the direction they would lead you: the path of choosing sides in a kingdom of the world system. The pull that you feel from this system is real, and it is the same attraction that has drawn in many others who are your friends and coworkers. Don’t make the mistake of thinking that you are immune from this power-over attraction, for no one is. Trust in prayer, not politics. Trust in love, not hate. Trust in serving, not conquering. Trust in peace, not violence. I will lift up the one who trusts in me.
— November 11, 2020