NO OTHER FOUNDATION

Romans 12:3 (CSB)- “For by the grace given to me, I tell everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he should think. Instead, think sensibly, as God has distributed a measure of faith to each one.”

Do titles matter to you? Maybe I should ask that question another way. If you were applying for a sales job, which position would you rather apply for- Sales Associate, or Senior National Accounts Manager? I think all of us would prefer the latter and would assume the prior was an entry level job.

Let’s look at that question yet another way. Would you rather have dinner with a CEO, city manager, mayor, or the local car mechanic?

If we meet someone for the first time, generally the topic arises about what that person does for employment. As you are having this conversation, do you ever find yourself comparing their title to yours? If you find out that the person you are speaking to is a person of influence, do you change the way you speak? Do you find yourself agreeing with them? Do you find yourself all of a sudden interested in subjects they share with you that normally bore you?

Perhaps someone higher up in your company has that grand title. You do whatever you can to be recognized by that individual. You want to be in his inner circle. You want a seat at the table. No matter how hard you try, he doesn’t see you. As a matter of fact, the harder you try the less it seems he sees you. Then it happens, he comes in with someone he just met at lunch, then parades the individual around the office like he just landed on the moon for some insignificant achievement that makes your blood boil.

Then again, maybe you are the one with the title. You call the shots. You are the sales guru. People are always vying for your time. When you speak, people listen. You are an influencer. You consider yourself better than most.

More than once I’ve found myself trying to work my way into a circle of influence with people or whom had little care for me. I’ve also been on the other end where I have been included in the inner circle while others were left out. Ashamedly, I’ve had conversations with people where I am comparing myself and my accomplishments to theirs. Pride is a nasty characteristic.

What is the solution? I used to think it was treating everyone equal. The saying goes that “everyone puts their boots on the same way.” However, in reality, the solution is thinking rightly of yourself and making yourself servant to all. Jesus, the King of the Universe, came to Earth to serve and bring His Father glory. He was the Ultimate Servant, who gave His life for you and me.

Forget the titles, except for one. One hundred years from now no one will know your title. One hundred years from now no one will remember you outside your children or grandchildren if they are still living. The one title we should strive to have next to our nameplate is servant. We should serve all. Those over us, and those under us. We should serve the CEO of our company and the teacher that teaches our child’s Kindergarten class. We should serve the rich, and the beggar down the street. We should serve those kind to us and those who show us ill-will. In all of this the one we are truly serving is God. One hundred years from now the title I want to hear is “Good and Faithful Servant.”

Matthew 25:23 (CSB)- “His master said to him, ‘Well done, good and faithful servant! You were faithful over a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Share your master’s joy.’”