Psalms 105:15 (KJV) - Touch not mine anointed, and do my prophets no harm.
Within the Christian church, the issue of servanthood (true servanthood) has been a sticky subject. The concept of 'servanthood' alone has often carried many negative emotions and feelings. Largely, this is due to our association of servanthood with weakness either because we cannot act as our own 'individuals' (control of one's mind, will, emotions) or we feel someone has the ability to take advantage of us - and some believe NO ONE should EVER be given that 'opportunity.'
One other reason we have problems with servanthood is that we can't fathom serving people that are cruel and unloving towards us...if you want respect you must first give it. Looking at the relationship between David and King Saul (see 1 Samuel 16-31), David lived as the next king and Saul sought his life on a number of occasions. Though David escaped the King's advances, David never sought retribution. He even went so far as to defend King Saul and his son when an Amalekite from Saul's camp claimed to take his life (2 Samuel 1).
In the relationship among David and King Saul, we find a level of servanthood that reaches beyond the comprehension of most people today. David had the ability to serve the Lord's appointed king unconditionally. His ability to serve King Saul was not based on the treatment he received or the advances against his life, but on his (and Saul's) position before the Lord. As we read about the history of David, there are a few things we must to highlight under the 'banner' of servanthood:
1. It is the Lord that appoints and establishes men.
Psalm 75: 6-7 (KJV) - For promotion [cometh] neither from the east, nor from the west, nor from the south. But God [is] the judge: he putteth down one, and setteth up another.
Do you think leaders are established outside of the Lord's knowledge?
Many times we're under the assumption that only the faithful people in the world are established by the Lord. However, when reading Jeremiah (Jeremiah 27:6) we'll find that the Lord established the king of Babylon to come against the people of Judah...AND He told them they must follow his commands (Jeremiah 27:12). The Lord will use all types of people to have His purposes established (Romans 13:1-3).
2. We must learn to follow our leaders faithfully.
Romans 13:1-3 (KJV) - Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God. Whosoever therefore resisteth the power, resisteth the ordinance of God: and they that resist shall receive to themselves damnation. For rulers are not a terror to good works, but to the evil. Wilt thou then not be afraid of the power? do that which is good, and thou shalt have praise of the same
There will be some leaders the Lord will place in our lives that will challenge us in every way imaginable. Though the world has taught us not put up with 'difficult' leaders, Jesus stated that we should not resist an evil person and we should go above and beyond their requests of service (Matthew 5:38-42).
Servanthood has its limits when it involves requests toward unrighteous or criminal acts. We are not to compromise our lives as citizens, disciples of Jesus, nor God's glory just to be obedient to leadership.
3. The behavior of the leader should not dictate our behavior toward them.
For many people, this is the hardest to accomplish. Throughout our lives we've been taught to treat people how they treat us. If someone loves you, love them back...if someone mistreats you, mistreat them - do no good to or for them. However, within the confines of ministry, many have applied this same worldly concept as they've despised their leaders because they don't say, do, or be what they want when they want it. This is not the biblical Christian love or servanthood the Lord intended.
First and foremost, as disciples of Christ, we are to called to love others as ourselves - including those that would seem 'unlovable' (Matthew 5:43-48). We cannot set ourselves in a manner of conditional service. One of the greatest commandments is to love others as ourselves (Matthew 22:34-40).
We serve our leaders because we first serve the Lord. Our commitment and service to our leaders is based founded on our relationship with the Lord. When we observe the life of King Saul and David, it's interesting to note how our leaders do far less than King Saul (attempting to kill David), yet we tear them down, whereas David brought no slander or harm to his king. We talk bad about our leaders; seek to hinder their work; and strive to remove them from their current positions - even by force if necessary. One of the reasons we do this is because we refuse to stand behind people that will not first stand behind OUR own personal agendas or standards of conduct. However, we must understand that leaders are not bound to submit to our every whim. They are called to love, care, and build you toward maturity in the Lord. What is important for us is to remain faithful to the Lord and the leader He has placed over us - for as long as the Lord desires.
Hebrews 13:17 (KJV) - Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.
For the leader, it is important for them to serve their people with patience, integrity, justice, and compassion. It is not for a leader to say 'touch not the Lord's anointed,' using that as a scripture reference for them to act without responsibility, accountability, respect, or compassion. Leaders, people are not with you to serve your every whim, but to stand alongside of you (and supporting you) in the working the Lord's harvest. People are not the means to your personal enjoyment or success. The Lord has entrusted them in your care!
When people choose not to support their leaders within a church or ministry, there are a number of negative results:
1. The peoples' focus is taken from the Lord and His principles.
When the peoples' focus is taken from the Lord, they return to the flesh...and you know how living in the flesh is no good thing. It will produce sin and an abundance of unnecessary strife, tribulation, and ungodliness.
2. The ability for the leader to lead is diminished.
Sadly, many people will not follow leaders they do not respect or is not respected among the people (i.e. living in the flesh). When we slander leaders, others may feel it is acceptable to act in the same manner. They will live in an environment of anarchy - no one is focused on the Lord's work or will. Additionally, surrounding leaders have a responsibility to help raise and maintain good order, discipline, love, and respect.
3. The impact of the work the Lord wants to perform is hampered.
Psalm 133:1 (KJV) - Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!
When the people are unified, great works can be accomplished for God. The work of the ministry can be administered in a spirit of cooperation; purposed glory to the Father is sought, and an agreed conclusion of vision and ministry is establish. Therefore, we should work to remove discord, strife, and disobedience while building loving relationships of servanthood and support before man and God.
4. The peoples' witness is destroyed.
How many times have we heard a negative report due to people in the church gossiping, complaining, and fighting with one another?
The people (and especially the young and unlearned) may become shaken in their faith as they witness the same things occurring in the church as in the 'world.' People may ask why they should be saved if they see how badly the believers act among one another. Though we cannot control someone's decision or opinion, we can make sure we're not bringing a bad report to God while steering the people's opinions and decisions negatively.
Our purpose in life and ministry should be to love God while allowing our lives before others to be an expression of worship before Him. We are called into the law of Christ, which is love (Galatians 6:2), so let us be faithful to the Lord and those placed among us in leadership.
