The Summit
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
The servant is called to a summit, and the reward system is profitable. Although a difficult time, the call to the Servant Leadership NOW Summit of 2020 still has an impact. We did not know, at that time, that the COVID-19 pandemic was upon us and would have global impact even today. Yes, the whole world faces an invisible “enemy” that continues in the lives of many – United States COVID – Coronavirus Statistics – Worldometer (worldometers.info)
I still reflect upon discussions from the 2020 Servant Leadership NOW Summit. For in those sessions, we were formulating ideas about serving in the NOW. How does serving as a servant of God in the NOW prepare one for eternity? The sharing in those work sessions still has relevance and impact.
Before Eternity – There is NOW
Often times, when we speak of a reward system for Christians, we talk about it in terms of eternality – a hereafter as to our reward. However, there is a reward system for servants of God that precludes eternality. It is called NOW. Now, Jesus gives to us examples in the scripture. It is the “bee it” to help us in dealing with everyday situations in relation to each other, justice, and compassion. The season of NOW is always present in the moment.
Servants for a World Crisis
In a world crisis, there are opportunities to move in the areas of NOW. There are opportunities to support one another (as humans); be fair (justice); and show compassion. In spite of that, also in a world crisis, there exists opportunities for evil to take greater advantage of people. It is in these times that we hope the “better angels” win out. According to the model of Jesus, it can work in a world system when his servants show mercy to our neighbors.
In Luke 10:29-37, Jesus responded to the question, “And who is my neighbor?” Jesus detailed the experience of a certain man who fell among thieves as the man traveled from Jerusalem to Jericho. The lot of this man could have been fatal had it not been for the kindness of a stranger. This story of The Good Samaritan is an example of compassion to a stranger. To expect God to bless you without you showing compassion toward strangers, is not God’s way. Compassion that is based on only who we love, who shows us kindness, is that the type of compassion that Jesus’s teaches in this parable. Rather, Jesus’ teaching of compassion is toward those who are in need of your service.
On the Jericho Road
It is also interesting how the religious leaders who were to show this injured stranger kindness passed him by on the Jericho Road. In fact, one of them decided to go around him and take a different path; but the Samaritan, who according to culture, was not to have anything to do this man, showed him compassion. At the end of the story, Jesus compels says, “Go, and do likewise.”
Are we so preoccupied on the Jericho Road that we cannot be a blessing when the opportunities arise? Are the cares of our lives so out of balance that we look over wounded, hurting, improvised people?
The scriptures remind us to pray that workers will come in the vineyard; pray for servants of God who want to make the right decisions on this road.
Reflectively
Throughout the Summit, there was a repetitive, unified voice that reminded us of the value of responsibility, accountability, and compassion. God’s reward system is daily. Daily, He feeds His servants. Being a responsible leader, showing accountability and leading with compassion is on who is worthy of His hire. To reward you openly is His pleasure. Being the Jericho Road allows you to do for others – for those who are even strangers. His way, not ours.
Finally, compassionate servant leaders are rewarded by:
(1) An intrinsic gratification that pleases God. (2) Trust in the Word. If you love others as yourself, you will eat of the good fruit that only God can give. (3) Grace. When you have mercy on others, God demonstrates undeserving favor toward you. You can reap rewards of Servant Leadership NOW! – a blessing from the reward system established by the Great and Good Shepherd on this Jericho Road. The net will be a greater reward system from Him.
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