The Apostle Paul, when writing about the “varieties of gifts” describes their working like parts of a body. Each has its own function. Each has a unique purpose and each cannot function independently. In 1 Corinthians he says “these are empowered by one and the same Spirit” and ultimately lead toward expressions of a “more excellent way” –the way of Love. So, the gifts are specific functions meant for the outworking of divinelove among a body of Jesus-followers. Awesome.
A number of years ago, we were part of a large and thriving church in southern Arizona. I’ll never forget the leadership style of the senior pastor at that church. He was a dynamic preacher and had strong character. Many people were attracted to him. Did he bask in the attention? Not at all. He repeatedly deflected the praise and taught that God’s principles are not the same as the world’s. He demonstrated that a true leader in the Kingdom is first a servant. He spent time cleaning in the nursery, handing out food baskets in the community and didn’t neglect meeting with the down-and-outers.
One of the things that we repeatedly find in God’s “great reversal” is that the weak have been made strong, the poor have become rich, the last have become first, and those who humble themselves are lifted up. In the words of Jesus: “If anyone would be first, he must be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35, ESV).
And so, we look to the perfect model of the Master “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:6 – 8, ESV).
During this season, we set our sights on this act of humility by the ultimate Leader, the King of Kings – being born in the likeness of men, as an infant even. By becoming a servant and exercising spiritual gifts, we walk in the footsteps of the Master and show ourselves to be His true disciples – serving our fellow brothers and sisters and becoming those who bring a message of hope and love to a lost and aching world.
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Ian Johnson and his wife Ren moved to Fort Wayne in 2020. They have three children and have been attending Grace Gathering North for just over two years. Ian is a graphic designer and fine artist. He enjoys reading, learning languages, and watching soccer.
