Formed by Grace | Fall 2025 | Lesson 7

Jesus challenged conventional wisdom when He taught that in God's kingdom, the path to greatness runs through service. Unlike worldly leadership that exercises control over others, kingdom leadership means becoming a servant to all. This radical concept is exemplified by Jesus Himself, who came not to be served but to serve and give His life as a ransom for many. Serving others requires genuine humility—counting others as more significant than ourselves, just as Christ demonstrated by emptying Himself and taking the form of a servant. As believers, we've each received spiritual gifts that we're called to steward by using them to serve others for God's glory. There's a profound difference between serving out of obligation versus serving from joy; the latter flows from our identity in Christ and brings fulfillment even amid fatigue. 

Our financial stewardship also reflects our understanding that everything we have belongs to God and that we're simply managing what He has entrusted us. When we serve through love, we experience true freedom. Ironically, those most focused on themselves tend to be most miserable, while those who consistently serve others often experience the most joy and contentment. By identifying opportunities to serve, assessing our spiritual gifts, examining our giving habits, and looking for ways to serve even in difficult seasons, we can live out the values of God's upside-down kingdom.