Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? (Heb. 1:14)
Serving others brings me joy. I led a team of approximately 15 real estate agents several years ago. As the team leader, I recognized the team was only as successful as our poorest performing agent. Thus, I spent more time helping the agents who performed poorly rather than focusing on the agents who were already successful and profitable. This did not go over well. The norm is to follow the 80/20 rule. Since 20 percent of the agents will bring in 80 percent of the income, team leaders should focus on improving the productivity of the performing 20 percent. However, I felt despite its theoretical accuracy, it was spiritually incorrect. The necessity for service lies with the 80 percent that’s struggling to perform. Rather than serve up the profitability scale, as most do, I decided to serve down and raise the performance levels of the 80 percent.
As disciples of Christ, we are called to follow Jesus’ example and go after the lost sheep. It is not our primary focus to serve those who are already saved. That responsibility belongs to God’s army. His angels are called to watch over us. They will protect us as we go forth to protect those outside of the family.
Spiritually, God’s kingdom is designed to serve downward. When leaders learn to serve those beneath them, then God’s kingdom profits from raising everyone up.
Look for an opportunity to serve someone who would normally serve you.
Tara Klein, a lover of words, shares her imperfect, unconventional Christian journey as a female, mother, and wife to invite others into God’s unconditional love.
© 2019 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
