Lineman Mentality
“…whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be your slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” -- Matthew 20:26-28
The “lineman mentality” is a part of my DNA. A handwritten sign reflecting this philosophy flashed like neon every day I walked into my dad’s office. It read, “Don’t worry about the credit, just get the job done!”
Coaches know that football games are won and lost in the trenches. Yet to the average fan, linemen are just oversized guys who get in the way of the skilled guys. But I believe linemen are intelligent, tenacious and relentless. With little visible reward or public recognition, they serve their team and get the job done.
A little of the “lineman mentality” would serve us well in our faith. We spend too much effort trying to be the greatest. How often are we like the receiver who, upon entering the end zone, thrusts the ball in the air and breaks into a touchdown celebration? Look at me, look what I did for Jesus!
But Christ said that in His kingdom greatness is defined by service, not accomplishments. Are we worried about looking good and receiving credit or just getting the job done? Are we tenacious and relentless when it comes to serving and sharing our love of Christ with others or more concerned with being noticed?
- How can you be a leader and a servant on your team?
- Are you concerned about getting or giving credit?
“Jesus, I struggle daily with the “me first” mentality. Help me to see the ways I can serve my team. I want to be consumed to serve. Amen.”
