No Entitlement In Titles!

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cripture Text:“But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant. And whosoever shall exalt himself shall be abased; and he that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” – Matthew 23:11–12 (KJV)

History has given us many examples of leaders who wore great titles yet left their people broken, wounded, and oppressed. Think of Pharaoh of Egypt, whose hard heart led to the suffering and bondage of Israel.

He sat on a throne, clothed in the prestige of kingship, yet his legacy was not liberation but destruction. His name lives on, not for kindness or service, but for pride and oppression. This is what happens when titles become instruments of self-glory rather than tools for service.

Such leadership misrepresents God’s intention for authority and leaves behind no eternal fruit.

But when we turn to Jesus, we see a radical redefinition of leadership. The eternal Son of God, clothed in glory from eternity past, chose to empty Himself of all heavenly splendor.

Paul, by the Spirit, writes: “But made himself of no reputation, and took upon him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: And being found in fashion as a man, he humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.” (Philippians 2:7–8, KJV).

Jesus did not come demanding recognition. He did not build monuments for Himself. He had no mansion, no earthly wealth, no worldly title. His mission was love; to serve, to heal, to lift, and to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8, KJV).

He embodied servant-leadership. Even to His disciples, He declared: “But he that is greatest among you shall be your servant.” (Matthew 23:11, KJV).

Beloved, know that in God’s kingdom, leadership is never about status but service. Also, titles without service are empty. Positions without humility are dangerous.

So, if you call yourself a leader, pastor, father, or even a Christian, your true identity is revealed not in how many people bow to you but in how many lives are lifted through you.

The Words of John C. Maxwell:

The measure of a man is not how many people serve him, but how many people he serves.

Sadly, many leaders today, even within the Church, have fallen into the trap of ego-driven leadership: they manipulate, exploit, and oppress under the weight of their titles, forgetting that Christ gave us the model of servant-leadership.

Understand that when leadership is corrupted by pride, the glorious plan of God is short-circuited, and destinies are derailed. This is why the believer must resist the enemy’s interference with our divine calling of love and service.

As a believer you are a bearer of God-given leadership mandate , either in your family, community, workplace, or in the body of Christ. You may never hold a worldly title, but in Christ you are called to be a kingdom agent of change.

In kingdom leadership, your true greatness is revealed in love-driven service. When we serve others, we reflect the heart of Christ and secure eternal honor.

POINTS OF REFLECTION

1. Do I see leadership as an opportunity to serve or as a platform for recognition?

2. Am I more concerned with titles and positions, or with fulfilling God’s will in humility?

3. How is my life inspiring and positively influencing those around me?

PRAYER KEY POINTS

Father, IJN: Thank You for showing me, through Christ, that true greatness is in service, not in titles.

Father, IJN: Guard my heart against pride, ego, and selfish ambition. Teach me to walk in humility and love.

Father, IJN: Let my life be a vessel that uplifts others, fulfills Your divine purpose, and glorifies You.

COMMIT TO MEMORY

“For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45 (KJV)

ASSIGNMENT

This week, look out for or, find one person around you that you can intentionally serve, without expecting recognition.

Let your actions reflect Christ’s servant-leadership, proving that in God’s kingdom, greatness is in service, not titles.

In the kingdom of God, the weight of a title is measured only by the depth of service behind it.