Issue #171, December 23, 2015
This Christmas we are looking at Mary and Joseph, both great servant leaders and together one of the most influential couples in history. In this issue we’ll turn our attention to Mary, the better known of the two and the one often mentioned first. In Luke 1:26-56 the story of her encounter with the angel and her visit to Elizabeth is recorded. Let’s observe what she did as a servant leader that gave her such great influence.
Mary humbled herself.
Perhaps the clearest example of Mary’s humility is her response to the angel’s announcement, “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:38). After her questions, Mary’s response shows that she humbly surrendered to God’s direction for her life. Servant leaders recognize that before they are called to serve others they see themselves as the “Lord’s servant.” Then they humbly walk in obedience to His instruction.
Mary honored God.
Many people honor Mary but scripture makes it clear that she honored God above herself. “From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me– holy is his name” (Luke 1:48-49). Mary recognized that she would be remembered by “all generations,” which has indeed happened. Mary saw her destiny as great, but glorified God. Like Joseph, she is not looking for fame or monuments in her name; she turns all honor back to God. She continues with verse after verse praising God for what He has done. She, and all servant leaders who follow, turn the blessing of influence into opportunities to praise God. Servant leaders recognize that leadership is not about themselves; it is all for God’s glory.
Mary helped others.
Right after hearing from the angel Mary ran to see her relative Elizabeth. Both Mary and Elizabeth were chosen by God to fulfill a special part of the Christmas story and their experience of coming together still inspires all of us today. Certainly, for Mary, it was a precious gift to be with Elizabeth for the first months of her pregnancy. But Mary’s visit also helped Elizabeth to be a better person. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41). Mary didn’t come to Elizabeth to build herself up or elevate her child over Elizabeth’s. Rather, being who she was and sharing her own journey of obedience to God’s call impacted the life of Elizabeth in a profound way. Mary’s song of praise to God shaped the life of Elizabeth and countless others who read it later. That’s what servant leaders do; they help others by lifting their spirits. Sometimes this is a deliberate process of using encouraging words, speaking affirmation and life into those we lead. At other times we help others simply by living our lives in humble obedience as Mary did. This inspires and helps others on their own journeys. Who around you this Christmas needs your help? Follow Mary’s lead and reach out to someone. Share your story or sing your song as you extend your hand to the person God will allow you to touch for His purposes.
Individually Joseph and Mary led as servants. But together, as a couple, they walked in humble obedience and influenced not only their own generation, but the entire world. A couple multiplies the impact! This Christmas season, the world can use a couple more servant leaders. If married, will you join together with your spouse to ask God to make you doubly influential as a couple for His glory in the coming year?
For further reflection and discussion:
- Read the entire account of Mary’s story in Luke 1:26-56. What do you observe from her life that can teach you as a leader? What was the secret of her lasting influence?
- Can your leadership be characterized as humble? Why or why not? What actions in the past week reflect your humility? Are there actions God is inviting you to make to humble yourself as a leader?
- In what way does God use your influence? What might be His purpose for your influence? How can you more effectively use your influence to honor God?
- Is your leadership primarily to help yourself achieve your goals or is it to help others? What action demonstrates this reality? Are there ways this season God wants to use your influence to help others?
- If married, in what ways does your relationship together multiply your influence? Are there changes you need to make to increase this influence? Talk about it and pray together, a great way to begin a new year!