They say unto him, Ceasar’s. Then saith he unto them, Render therefore unto Ceasar the things which are Ceasar’s; and unto God the things that are God’s. Matthew 22:21
Martin Luther King, Jr said: “If you are called to be a street sweeper, sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted, or Beethoven composed music, or Shakespeare wrote poetry. Sweep streets so well that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say, “Here lived a great street sweeper who did his job well.” King was dealing with the flip side of an issue that confronts us every day namely the desire to be important. As Christians we must tame our desires to be important and influential at the expense of being obedient and effective.
In the 10th chapter of the Gospel of Mark, James and John ask Jesus to be seated on the left and right of Jesus as he rules. Jesus begins to explain to them that they don’t know what they are asking as he knows he is on his way to give up his life for mankind. So many Christians are ineffective as leaders because they ignore the fact that so much of leadership is actually sacrifice. Most leaders make difficult tradeoffs with time spent with family and friends. Some leaders sacrifice sleep and health. Many travel many miles and become public property and symbols instead of individuals. As Christians we need to carefully examine our ambition. Is our motivation deeply rooted in the desire to serve God whatever the cost or is it in recognition or personal gain. Think about it: the “top dog” is still living a dog’s life.
Examine yourself in prayer and meditation today. Search your heart for the motives behind your actions.
Deacon Larry Woodard
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