Devoted to serving
The household of Stephanas
Among Paul's closing remarks to Corinth is a quiet commendation that reveals what he counted as leadership worth honoring. The household of Stephanas, he says, have devoted themselves to the service of the saints — and he urges the church to submit to such people and to everyone who joins in the work.
Notice the basis for their honor: not eloquence, not office, not prominence, but devoted, practical service to others. Paul tells the church to follow the people who serve. And Jesus said that such service, given to the least, is received by him as if done to himself.
“They have devoted themselves to the service of the saints.”
— Paul, commending Stephanas — 1 Corinthians 16:15 (WEB)
Pour yourself out in practical service to others. The leaders worth honoring devote themselves to serving people, and Christ counts it as done to him.
“Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.”
Paul honored devoted service, and Jesus receives such service as done to himself. A leader formed here devotes himself to serving people, especially the least, rather than to being served. He knows Christ counts that service personally. The inner work is genuine devotion to the good of others.
Devote yourself to practical service of your people, not to your own prominence. Honor and follow the servers on your team, as Paul urged. Serve especially those who can do nothing for you, knowing Christ receives it. Make devoted service, not visibility, the mark of leadership you celebrate.
Leaders honor visibility, eloquence, and position over quiet devoted service, missing whom Scripture actually commends. The blind spot is valuing being seen over serving, including the least.
Identify one person who can do nothing for you — perhaps one of the least around you. This week, devote real, practical service to them, as if serving Christ himself.
We tend to honor leaders for their visibility, eloquence, or position. Paul honored a household for one thing: they devoted themselves to serving others. And Jesus said that kind of service, especially to the least, is counted as service to him.
What are you actually devoted to in your leadership — being served and seen, or serving others, including the least who can do nothing for you?