Where to Sit at the Table

Lectio Divina out loud: After many unsuccessful attempts, Erika Dix learns how to lead a group that leaves it in a better place.

"Rather, when you are invited, go and take the lowest place so that when the host comes to you he may say, ‘My friend, move up to a higher position.’ Then you will enjoy the esteem of your companions at the table." (Luke 14:10)

How many times have I been asked to lead or co-lead a group, committee or ministry? Many times. How many times have I felt successful at it? Zero. Others may say I was successful, but at the end, I am always shaking my head wondering where I went wrong. Jesus made a strong point about this in St. Luke’s Gospel.

This verse came to mind when I was feeling troubled thinking about a church ministry that my husband and I had been invited to co-lead with another couple years ago. It started off well enough, and then it went sideways. I like to organize and be organized. I may have organized too much with this ministry, to the point that the purpose of the ministry was lost, especially for the couple that we were co-leading with.

I took it upon myself to be in a high position to lead the group, thinking it was to better the ministry. I lost sight of the fact that this was a family ministry, one that gave fellowship to the parents and a fun time for the kids. Over-organization is the key to fun, is it not? My heart and head were mixed up in this instance, and in the end, I was left shaking my head, wondering why the ministry was not thriving.

Jesus says it rather well that when you are invited to a position, take the lowest place so that the ones inviting you will be excited to share their ideas and thoughts with you. They will be honored that you are there supporting and helping them, and all those around you will be happy with what you contribute. He goes on to say in verse 11, “For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.”

null

Being asked to lead is a humbling experience, not one meant to exalt the person. Being a leader is for the service of the group of people you are leading, not a showcase of how well you are doing or how many of your ideas get used. Too many times leadership is used to say, “Look at me and what I’ve done!” rather than, “Look at the great work this group has done, or what the ministry has accomplished and how much it has grown.” Pride steals humility and makes one feel esteemed, but in the end all that the person feels is embarrassment when they are asked to sit lower down the table because someone who is greater in humility is asked to sit higher.

This particular ministry is no longer happening at my church, and we were the last ones to lead it. Jesus gave me the answer I needed to no longer shake my head at the end of a leadership role. Instead of charging up to the head of the meeting table and throwing all my ideas down, I will sit quietly at the end of the table, grateful I was invited, and wait my turn for the host to come and ask me to share with the rest of the group so that all will benefit.

I have learned from this verse that it is God’s will to be a leader that leaves the group in a better place because our leadership was one of service, not gain. Being a humble leader will honor Jesus, the person who invited me, the group, and lastly me, who gets to share God’s love through the unique way He made me.

Click to tweet:
Being asked to lead is a humbling experience, not one meant to exalt the person. #CatholicMom

Prayer:

Jesus, I pray for humility, especially in situations where I am asked to lead. In my family, at church, in my community, at work. I believe that with Your love, we will all enjoy sitting at the table together.

null