Some time ago I received a telephone call. When I answered the phone, the voice on the other end of the line said: “Bang! You’re dead!” I paused. I didn’t quite know what to think about what had been said to me.
Then I heard a familiar voice, that of James Campbell, a client of mine: “John, just calling to remind you that we all need to die to ourselves every day.”
That is true. There is always room at the top for anyone who is willing to say, “I’ll serve.”
Several years ago I was listening to Zig Ziglar. In his presentation, he said, “You’ll always have everything in life that you want, if you’ll help enough other people get what they want.”
When I heard that statement, something went off on the inside of me. Then and there I made a conscious decision to incorporate that concept into my life. It has made a tremendous difference.
True Christian leadership always begins with servanthood.
Selfishness always ends in self-destruction. John Ruskin said, “When a man is wrapped up in himself, he makes a pretty small package.”
Being a servant is not always the most natural thing to do. You know, we are all conditioned to think about ourselves. That’s why ninety-seven percent of all people, when offered a new pen to try out, will write their own names.
Yet despite our tendency toward self-promotion, it is always true that more is accomplished when nobody cares who get the credit.
God has always called us to serve those whom we lead. Be willing to serve, without trying to reap the benefits. Before looking for a way to get, look for ways to give.
No one is truly a success in life until he has leaned how to serve. The old saying is true: “The way to the throne room is through he servant’s quarters.”
One of the most powerful decisions you can make in your life is to do something for someone who doesn’t have the power or resources to return the favor. In Matthew 23:11 our Lord said: “…he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.”
And in Matthew 20:26-27 He declared: “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant.”
One of the most incredible benefits of being a Christian is the fact that when you give of yourself to help other people, you cannot help but be personally and abundantly rewarded. The rewards and blessings of being a servant always extend far beyond what can be seen or heard.
Excerpt permission granted by Insight Publishing Group
John Mason is an international bestselling author, minister, publisher, executive author coach, and noted speaker. He’s the founder and president of Insight International and Insight Publishing Group. Both organizations are dedicated to helping people reach their dreams and fulfill their God-given destinies.
He has authored thirty-two books including An Enemy Called Average, You’re Born An Original—Don’t Die A Copy, Let Go of Whatever Makes You Stop, and Know Your Limits Then Ignore Them which have sold over 2 million copies and are translated into 40 different languages throughout the world. His books are widely regarded as a source of godly wisdom, scriptural motivation, and practical principles. His writings have been published twice in Reader’s Digest along with numerous other national and international publications. Seven of his books have reached number one on Amazon bestseller lists.
He’s been the president of two Christian publishing companies. He’s also a former Vice President and Publisher for Thomas Nelson Publishers (Harper Collins), the 6th largest book publisher in the world and largest Christian publisher.
He’s an internationally recognized executive author coach, helping numerous prominent authors with their books for more than thirty years. Politicians, NBA, NFL, PGA, MLB, an Olympic gold medalist and other professional athletes, billionaires, businesspeople, pastors, ministers, New York Times bestselling authors, a Fortune 500 CEO, Navy SEALs, Top Gun pilots, and a Texas governor have all benefitted from his knowledge.
Known for his quick wit, powerful thoughts, and insightful ideas, he is a popular speaker across the US and around the world.