The Elevation of Others

"Any ministry that lives to itself and builds for itself will die by itself. The father in ministry is not threatened by the rise of the son's ministry above his own. Instead, he rejoices that he had a part in the development of something greater than he could have ever dreamed possible." Dr. Mark Hamby wrote this in one of his books on discipleship and I was given such a beautiful picture of this principle of selflessness this past weekend. I was at FDM's annual Breakaway retreat with some of the most amazing people on the planet. I am privileged to work with a group of leaders who understand the Kingdom principle of "esteeming others as more important than themselves" as outlined in Philippians 2. Often times, when you put together a team of strong, capable leaders, you see the jockeying for position born of the sinful pride that so often lurks below the surface of humanity. We want to be seen for what we can do and to be esteemed publicly.
One particular example was evident with our worship band. Simple Fool was there to lead worship and, as always, I was moved by the touch of God on these minstrels. Three of the band members are brothers and I watched them throughout the weekend as they led God's children into the sweetest of worship. They are all gifted musicians who can play any and every instrument (a gifting that God did not see fit to bestow on me!). They all switched around and played different instruments, two of the brothers taking turns leading, and filling the gap where necessary. One brother injured his shoulder during the football game (boys will always be boys) and when he returned from the hospital, got up on stage and resumed his duty. Seamless, unobtrusive movements in leadership. These guys were just doing what they were created to do and gave no thought to who should be playing what, and who should be out front in leadership. Just sons and daughters doing as the Lord would have them with no thought of themselves.

The elevation of others is, as Philippians 2:5 says, the very attitude of Jesus. God help us all to live lives that are Jesus-focused and others-oriented. Give us hearts that do backflips when recognition and honor go to the one beside us while we remain in the shadows.