INTRODUCTION

The Lord warned His followers about the wickedness of those who have an inordinate desire to be in authority over others. “The princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them” (Matthew 20:25But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
See All...). The people of God should not be controlled by such men (or women). Those who know and love the Lord should sincerely desire to serve others rather than to be in authority over them. The chief example is the Lord Jesus Christ who “came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Matthew 20:28Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
See All...). John gave a similar warning when he spoke of “Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence” (3 John 1:9I wrote unto the church: but Diotrephes, who loveth to have the preeminence among them, receiveth us not.
See All...).

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For children): The Lord has the right to be served. Yet, He gave His disciples a great lesson on service (John 13:12-15 [12] So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? [13] Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. [14] If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. [15] For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you.
  See All...). Paul wrote about the Lord’s example (Philippians 2:5-8 [5] Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine, he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home, who enlargeth his desire as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations, and heapeth unto him all people: [6] Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? and to him that ladeth himself with thick clay! [7] Shall they not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them? [8] Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein.
  See All...). We should be more willing to serve than to be in charge (1 Corinthians 9:19For though I be free from all men, yet have I made myself servant unto all, that I might gain the more.
  See All...; Galatians 5:13For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
  See All...c).
• (For everyone): Do you feel the need to be in charge? Do you feel the need to have others listening to you and following your lead? How can this be rooted in pride?
• The Lord Jesus had authority. How did He give Himself as a servant in spite of His authority? How should this be an example to all who are presently in authority?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Thank the Lord for the example of service He has given us.
• Ask God to guard you from an ungodly desire for authority.

HYMN

O TO BE LIKE THEE!

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