“Dr. Cobourn!” an adult student called out to me as I passed her seat. I paused next to her.
“You don’t need to call me ‘Doctor’,” I told her. “Linda is just fine. We are all here to learn.”
My statement surprised many of my students in the evening class at Neumann University. They were accustomed to tenured professors who demanded use of their titles and wielded advanced degrees like swords. Yes, I had worked hard to receive my postgraduate degree, but I never wanted to separate myself from my students.
The adults in my class were there to earn a degree they’d put off for years. And I was there to teach them. I had earned all of my degrees as a working teacher while raising a family. I knew the challenges the first-year students before me would face.
We were on the same journey.
In Matthew 23:1-12, Jesus warns His disciples about people who use their authority for their own advantage. They do not “practice what they preach.” The religious leaders of Jesus’ day occupied positions of honor and influence. They knew the law. They taught the people. They sat in places of authority.
The problem was not their knowledge. The problem was their hearts.
Jesus observed that these leaders loved recognition. They enjoyed the best seats at banquets, prominent places in the synagogue, and public greetings that reminded everyone of their importance. They laid heavy burdens on others while avoiding those same burdens themselves.
In contrast, Jesus taught His followers a different way.
“The greatest among you will be your servant” (Matthew 23:11).
Kingdom leadership is not about status, titles, or recognition. It is about humility. The people who make the greatest impact are often those who quietly serve without seeking attention.
Most of us will never sit in positions of great public power. Yet we all have opportunities to influence others.
A parent guides a child. A teacher encourages a student. A church member welcomes a visitor. A friend offers wisdom during a difficult season.
The temptation is not always to seek power. Sometimes, it is simply to seek recognition. We want our efforts noticed. We want credit for our sacrifices. We want others to appreciate how much we do.
Jesus invites us to examine our motives. Are we serving because we love God and people, or because we hope someone will applaud our efforts?
Humility does not mean pretending our gifts do not exist. It means remembering that every gift comes from God and is meant to bless others. We do not have to elevate ourselves because our worth already comes from Him.
This week, look for one opportunity to serve without expecting recognition.
Perhaps it is sending an encouraging note, helping a neighbor, praying for someone in need, or volunteering for a task no one else wants to do.
Then leave the results in God’s hands.
Jesus reminds us that true greatness is not measured by titles, accomplishments, or public praise. It is measured by a servant’s heart.
Prayer
Lord, keep us from seeking honor for ourselves. Teach us to serve with humility and integrity. Help us practice what we preach and reflect the heart of Christ in our words and actions. May our lives point others to You rather than ourselves. Amen.
