Jesus is one of the most impactful people to walk the face of the earth even though He was here for only 33 years. My baby sister was with us for 33 years also and had a significant impact on some lives, but nothing can compare with Jesus’ life. He fed multitudes, gave blind back their sight, allowed cripples to walk again, and even snatched people from the jaws of death.
The amazing thing about all the miracles He performed, He did so in service to someone else. It was for no other reason. He wasn’t in business or politics and didn’t do so for profit or selfish gain. He humbly submitted Himself to the benefit of those whose lives He touched. His commitment to serving was unceasing. We should note this, especially if we want to be effective leaders and somehow have a different perspective on the topic. What greater role model than Jesus could we ever hope for? Whether you are Muslim, Buddhist, Jewish, Christian or non-religious, He remains an amazing example of how to live.
To lead others by serving, these are four things you must do:
Abiding–If we are to serve others, we must have something to give them. So how do you get that? Where you spend your time and what you consume mentally and spiritually will have the greatest impact on what you provide those that you give to. You may give money to the Red Cross for disaster relief efforts because you have the resources and the heart to want to help. You may volunteer at the homeless shelter because you have hurt for the homeless. You may visit lonely shut-ins because you empathize with their condition. Regardless of what you do, you can only give if you have something to give.
Awareness–Are you alert to the needs of others and sensitive to their hurts, dreams, and troubles? I believe that there are those of us who go through life with our greatest focus being what we can get from life versus what we can give of our lives. That is understandable because it is our nature to want to take care of ourselves. And that need will not change, even if serving others. The difference is whether we have open eyes and ears to see and hear about the needs of others. It could be a neighbor who is struggling with adult children with drug addiction. It could be a friend or acquaintance amid a battle with cancer. It could be a family member who can’t make financial ends meet because of their current job situation. You can only help if you know!
Acceptance–One reason we may find it difficult to serve is we focus on others’ faults. Instead, concentrate your efforts on loving them. When you and I were last perfect, no one could see our faults, right? Right! I had a pastor once who was a brilliant man and occasionally, from the pulpit would come out with the comment “And you know, we are all Bozos on the bus”. Hello! Don’t laugh! It’s true!
Availability–Do you make time for others? In today’s ultra-fast-paced society, finding time for anyone other than ourselves, our jobs and our families is difficult. Even we and our families suffer sometimes because of the busyness. It is no wonder so many people look forward to retirement. I may never fully retire but I sometimes want more free time for writing, riding, reading and getting to the gym. Why I have a retired friend who told me he doesn’t have enough time to do everything he wants to. And he doesn’t work at all! It isn’t always easy to be available, but if not, we can’t serve others. Are you or have you ever had a boss who is/was never available for you or who kept their office door locked? Have you ever wanted some time from a loved one and they were so busy they could never find the time to spend with you? How did that feel?
Imagine for a moment the impact you can have on others, regardless of where you sit: an office, a home, a baseball diamond, a classroom or other–if you work at the four A’s just described. You will bless others and lead them to places they may need to go or have never been. And maybe you will enable and empower them to pass it on. If one by one we take up that challenge, think of the change that could come about in our immediate circle and ripple out into the larger community.