SERVE TO BE SERVED by Robert Soto

SERVE TO BE SERVED by Robert Soto

January 2, 2010

I Kings 12:7 They replied, "If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants."

Geronimo was one of the greatest warriors that ever lived. He carried a lot on his shoulders. He was also a spiritual leader who from time to time had to make some hard decisions. But what made Geronimo different than any other leader was that he knew how to serve his people. He understood that leadership came with a price. It meant he had to be a servant to all who God the Creator had placed before him. He was not only obligated to serve but to protect the people that had been placed before him. He was also obligated to provide for them. He had to make sure they had all the food they needed to keep them strong and healthy. So there is more to life than just saying "I am a leader."

There are a lot of people who want to chief but fail to do one thing: serve. There are a lot of people who want to be leaders but they fail to give their lives to make sure the people that God the Creator has given them are well taken care of. One does not demand respect; he earns it. One does not demand to be followed, he has to earn it. One does not demand that people take care of him, he has to take care of the people. Solomon advised King Rehoboam: "If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants." One does not become a leader overnight. One does not demand to be a leader. A leader, like in the times of our ancestors, has to earn the right to lead based upon his servanthood.

Robert Soto, Lipan Apache and pastor of:

McAllen Grace Brethren Church
The Native American New Life Center
Chief of Chiefs Christian Church