When we look at the life of Jesus in the Gospels, we see his first obedience was to the will of His Father, not to the needs of humankind. Jesus’ ministry of saving people was the natural outcome of His obedience and connection to the Father. Jesus tells his disciples, “Don't you believe that I am in the Father, and that the Father is in me? The words I say to you are not just my own. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work” (John 14:10). Jesus had a secure connection to God the Father.
As leaders, if we are devoted solely to the cause of humankind, we will soon be exhausted and come to the place where our love will falter. However, if we love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, and if we are connected to Christ securely, we can serve humankind, by his power and with his grace. Though people may treat us as doormats, we are not defeated. The secret of a disciple's life is devotion to Jesus Christ, and the characteristic of the life is humble obedience. We are used by God to transform, as we are - ourselves - transformed by God’s grace and power.
