Introduction
During the earthly ministry of Jesus Christ, the Pharisees often appeared to be His greatest opponents. Yet their conflict with Him was not primarily over the authority of Scripture. In many respects, Jesus and the Pharisees shared a high regard for the Scriptures and agreed on significant points of biblical interpretation. The fundamental difference was not what they taught, but how they lived. They proclaimed God’s truth while failing to practice it. Their hypocrisy placed spiritual burdens upon others that they themselves were unwilling to bear. Jesus exposed this contradiction in Matthew 23:
“Then Jesus said to the crowds and to his disciples, ‘The scribes and the Pharisees sit on Moses’ seat, so do and observe whatever they tell you, but not the works they do. For they preach, but do not practice. They tie up heavy burdens, hard to bear, and lay them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves are not willing to move them with their finger. They do all their deeds to be seen by others…” Matthew 23:1–5 (ESV)
We should also remember that Jesus did not come to establish another rabbinical system or create a new religious hierarchy. He came to make disciples. While the New Testament clearly establishes spiritual and ministerial gifts—including the gifts of the Spirit in 1 Corinthians 12 and the ministry offices described in Ephesians 4:11—these gifts were never intended to elevate one believer above another.
“And he gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds and teachers.”
Ephesians 4:11 (ESV)
These gifts exist to equip the saints, not to exalt their recipients. Throughout His ministry, Jesus continually reminded His followers that greatness in the Kingdom of God is measured by humility and service. We are first and foremost His disciples and His servants.
Herein lies a subtle but dangerous temptation. Those entrusted with teaching God’s Word—pastors, elders, teachers, and ministry leaders—can gradually begin to view themselves as spiritually superior. Ironically, this attitude is often encouraged by those they lead. Congregations frequently place leaders on pedestals, attributing to them an authority or status that belongs to Christ alone. When this happens, both leader and follower are in danger.
For this reason, every servant of Christ must continually humble himself before God, remembering that leadership in the Kingdom isn a sacred stewardship, not a position of privilege. We are called to serve God by serving His people, never forgetting the second great commandment:
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Matthew 22:39 (ESV)
In this light, the motivational gifts described in Romans 12:6–8 deserve far greater attention than they often receive. Unlike positions that can become associated with recognition or authority, these gifts paint a beautiful picture of believers serving one another through grace, humility, and love. Every Christian has been entrusted with a measure of God’s grace, and every gift is intended for the benefit of the body of Christ—not for personal distinction.
“God’s marvelous grace imparts to each one of us varying gifts and ministries that are uniquely ours. So if God has given you the grace-gift of prophecy, you must activate your gift by using the proportion of faith you have to prophesy. If your grace-gift is serving, then thrive in serving others well. If you have the grace-gift of teaching, then be actively teaching and training others. If you have the grace-gift of encouragement, then use it often to encourage others. If you have the grace-gift of giving to meet the needs of others, then may you prosper in your generosity without any fanfare. If you have the gift of leadership, be passionate about your leadership. And if you have the gift of showing compassion, then flourish in your cheerful display of compassion.” Romans 12:6–8 (TPT)
Many times Christians and the World see things “Upside-Down”. As we explore these truths together, let us approach them with honest hearts and humble minds. Let us call things what they are according to the Word of God—not according to our emotions, personal opinions, traditions, or assumptions about what God must think. Instead, let us submit our thinking to the Holy Spirit who dwells within us, allowing Him to shape our understanding according to God’s revealed will, His holy character, and His eternal truth.
A World View
In many of the secular leadership courses I have attended—whether focused on business management, organizational development, or executive leadership—the structure of authority is almost always presented as a pyramid. At the top sits the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), followed by presidents, vice presidents, directors, managers, supervisors, and finally the laborers who carry out the work of the organization. Although there may be numerous subdivisions within this hierarchy, the overall structure remains the same.
This model clearly places the greatest authority at the highest point. Policies, procedures, and standards flow downward from the top, while responsibility and accountability move upward. It is an efficient model for governing an organization.
CEO
President
Vice President
Directors
Managers
Supervisors
Company policies and Standard Operating Procedures
In this model the company policies hold up the company.
The Kingdom of God Presents A Profoundly Different Picture
Scriptures stating the principle that those who want to lead all must be their servant does strange things to the hierarchies of business models.
Company Policies
Supervisors
Managers
Directors
Vice President
President
CEO
In this model it is the company CEO that holds up the company.
When Jethro told Moses how to organize his followers in the wilderness we (We are in the world today.) automatically think of the first business model above (Read Exodus 18:13 – 27). I don’t think that was Gods’ intention. I believe He had a totally different picture. Jesus completely overturned the world’s understanding of greatness. He and the Apostles turned the world “Upside-Down”. He taught that true leadership is not measured by position, authority, or recognition, but by humble service.
“Whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave.” (Matthew 20:26–27 ESV)
This single principle transforms every worldly model of leadership. In God’s Kingdom, greatness is not found at the top of the pyramid but at its foundation. Those who lead are called to support, strengthen, encourage, and serve those entrusted to their care. The greater the responsibility, the greater the obligation to serve.
We Christians (servants)
The Power gifts in 2 Corinthians 12
Ministry Gifts – Romans 12:6–8 (TPT)
Ministry Offices – Ephesians 4:11
Holy Trinity – Word of God holds up everything
In this model, God, Jesus, – the Word of God – is a the final Word holding together everything in creation.
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,” Hebrews 1:3
Interestingly, many people assume Native American totem poles follow the same pattern as the world does — that the figure at the top is the most important (High man on the Totem pole). According to traditional understanding, however, the chief or strongest figure is often represented at the bottom, supporting everything above it. The foundation bears the weight of all the others.
We Are His Servants
Every believer has been called to serve the Lord Jesus Christ. By His grace, the Holy Spirit distributes spiritual gifts according to His sovereign will. Some are entrusted with the manifestation gifts described in 1 Corinthians 12. Others receive ministry gifts as outlined in Romans 12:6–8, while some are called to the ministry offices identified in Ephesians 4:11. Though these gifts and callings differ in purpose and function, they share a single divine objective: to glorify God, strengthen the Body of Christ, and advance His Kingdom.
These gifts are not marks of spiritual superiority or personal distinction. They are sacred trusts placed into the hands of faithful servants. God grants them not to exalt individuals, but to equip His people for loving, humble, and sacrificial service.
This is a truth that must never be forgotten: whether God has entrusted us with spiritual gifts, ministry gifts, or leadership responsibilities, none of these elevates one believer above another. Every gift is an expression of God’s grace, and every calling is a stewardship for which we will one day give an account. Before the Lord, we are all servants of Jesus Christ, redeemed by the same blood, sustained by the same grace, and called to the same humility.
Our Lord Himself established this Kingdom principle. True greatness is not measured by prominence, influence, or position, but by obedience, humility, and a willing heart to serve. The highest place in God’s Kingdom belongs to those who gladly take the lowest place for the sake of Christ and others.
Jesus declared:
“Truly, I say to you, among those born of women there has arisen no one greater than John the Baptist. Yet the one who is least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he.” (Matthew 11:11, ESV)
The Kingdom of God does not measure greatness as the world does. Its citizens are not exalted by titles, offices, or extraordinary gifts, but by faithful obedience and Christlike humility. Whatever gifts God has entrusted to us, let us exercise them with reverence, gratitude, and love, remembering that we are not masters of His household but servants of our Master. To Him alone belong all honor, glory, and praise.
Jesus Christ, the Foundation of All Things
The kingdoms of this world place their greatest authority at the top. The Kingdom of God reveals a different order: its greatest authority is found at the foundation. Jesus Christ, the living Word of God, is not merely exalted above creation—He is the One through whom all things exist and by whom all things are sustained. Everything that has been made rests securely upon Him. He is the unshakable foundation (the corner stone) holding up all authority, all life, and all creation. The Apostle Paul proclaims,
“He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).
The writer of Hebrews echoes this glorious truth:
“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” (Hebrews 1:3)
Jesus Christ is God’s perfect and complete revelation. He is the eternal Word made flesh, the Rock upon whom everything stands, and the sure foundation of the Kingdom of God. Every ministry, every spiritual gift, every calling, every act of faithful service, and every believer finds its strength, purpose, and permanence in Him. Apart from Christ, nothing endures; in Christ, all things stand secure.
The nearer we draw to Christ, the less concerned we become with elevating ourselves and the more willing we become to humble ourselves in service. For in the Kingdom of God, true greatness is not measured by position or recognition, but by humble obedience, sacrificial love, and faithful service to others—just as our Lord first humbled Himself to serve us, giving His life for our redemption.
Jesus Christ is not only the King who reigns above all—He is the foundation upon whom all things stand. Remove the foundation, and everything collapses. Stand upon Christ, and nothing can shake what God has established.
Conclusion
The Kingdom of God measures greatness by a standard that is radically different from that of the world. As followers of Christ, we are called to see, think, and live differently. Like the apostles, we must embrace a way of life that often appears to turn the world’s values “Upside-Down”. True leadership begins with humble obedience to God, faithful service to others, and unwavering commitment to His Word.
This transformation must begin in our own homes with the family. We must first model Christlike character in our personal lives and within our families. Then we must teach our children that genuine leadership begins with learning to follow—following Christ, submitting to God’s Word, and walking in His truth. With Scripture guiding their hearts and minds, they will be prepared to carry these biblical principles into their schools, their workplaces, and every area of society.
The world is searching for truth, hope, and lasting purpose. As the body of Christ, we are called to be a light in the darkness and an example worthy of following. People should see Christ reflected in our lives and come to us for answers because we stand firmly on the truth of God’s Word. We must be bold, gracious, and always ready to give a reason for the hope that is within us. Even when it requires challenging the world’s values and turning its expectations “Upside-Down,” we must remain faithful to the One whose Kingdom will never pass away.
Enough Said
“Your words were found, and I ate them, and your words became to me a joy and the delight of my heart, for I am called by your name, O Lord, God of hosts.” Jeremiah 15:16 ESV
