Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many (Matt. 20:26-28).

When Columbia Bible College President Robertson McQuilkin told people of his decision to resign so he could care for his Alzheimer-stricken wife, he was startled by the responses he received.

It was a mystery to him why people reacted with overwhelming appreciation. His own oncologist explained: It is not rare for women to give themselves for suffering husbands; but few men do the same for their wives.

The reason McQuilkin’s decision made him a spiritual leader for people across the world is that his actions reflected the very heart of the gospel. His goal was to serve, rather than be served. 

McQuilkin willingly made himself a “slave” to the needs of a loved one, and in doing so freed himself from the grip of self-interests to promote the wellbeing of another and the witness of his Savior. 

We lead for Christ most clearly and most effectively when we follow Christ in the selflessness he modeled for us.

Prayer:
Lord, help me to follow your example each day by a willingness to serve others for their wellbeing, for your witness, and for my own growth in understanding your grace.