In the world, it is common to fight for the high spot, but Jesus calls his followers to seek to serve instead of seeking status. It's easy to regard Christianity and Christian community as a consumer rather than a contributor, but Jesus does not promise another "self care" approach and is not a "brand" to improve our reputation. As we seek to serve, taking the low spot and working out of a love for Christ, God will open the door to meaningful service and a sense of unique purpose in His kingdom.

In our culture, weakness is often either kept hidden from others or it is used to garner sympathy--in both cases to feed one's ego. But Paul says our weaknesses are not only not a hindrance to God using us, but in fact are the key to us understanding how to bring God's power, and not our own, into our walk with God. Paul says that God has put His power in us, but releases it through the pressure of suffering. Our suffering though can sharpen our understanding of God if we seek Him in trials, and we can trust that He is using it to help us look more and more like Jesus.

In the Bible's account of King Saul, we see a negative example of a leader, as he exhibits qualities that undermine his ability to lead and to serve as God's representative. As God tries to work with him and develop him, God shows that he is trying to teach him 3 important concepts: ?I love you;? ?these people are mine;? and ?listen to me, and I will supply all your needs.? If we cling to these truths as we try to lead for God, we will enjoy God's leadership and shepherding, much as we see in the positive example of King David.\r\n