Faith Lens: Serving the Public Good
Faith Lens is a weekly Bible study that engages youth and young adults in connecting world events with the Bible, faith, and everyday life.
Warm-up Question
What are the qualities you look for in a leader?
Why do those attributes matter to you?
Why Did You Get Into This?
Through the United States of America, we are in the midst of election season. From local trustees to state representatives to the President of the United States, many leadership positions will be decided on November 5. If you’re of voting age, make a plan to vote! Even if you’re not, engage in the process. Learn about the candidates and issues at hand. Research deeper than just soundbites and slogans.
One of the questions I always ask of anyone pursuing politics is, “Why did you get into this field?” After all, public office of any sort is a leadership position. The reasons someone wants to lead deserve our attention. One way to know this is to listen to what the candidates have to say about why they’ve chosen to run. We can also learn by discovering what additional benefits–things like money, fame, power, and influence–might come with an election. Any leadership position comes with some benefit, so this question of “why” ultimately looks at how an elected official will use the power that comes with their position.
As people of faith, engaging in the political process is both a privilege and a responsibility. You can learn more about our denomination’s resources for this through ELCA Votes.
Discussion Questions
Have you ever run for an elected position in school? Why or why not?
Twenty-Second Sunday after Pentecost
(Text links are to Oremus Bible Browser. Oremus Bible Browser is not affiliated with or supported by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. You can find the calendar of readings for Year A at Lectionary Readings.)
For lectionary humor and insight, check the weekly comic Agnus Day.
Gospel Reflection
Today’s Gospel reading follows the trajectory of the last few weeks. Jesus is once again teaching us that God’s approach to authority and value differs from ours. From redefining greatness to valuing those society otherwise downplays, the way of Jesus is just different. Mark 10:45 highlights why this is: Jesus “came not to be served, but to serve.”
Jesus chooses a kind of leadership that serves people’s needs. Rather than expect ancillary benefits, Jesus gives his life for the good of others. Such actions emphasize that Christian leadership prioritizes the public good rather than personal gain. That’s a needed reminder, not only in politics, but in family, in business, in sports, in art, and indeed throughout society.
Leadership matters. Who we follow matters, and why they lead matters, too. As you continue to follow Jesus, consider how following someone willing to serve can inform how you choose leaders in all areas of your life.
Discussion Questions
How could you serve others in ways that prioritize public good over personal gain?
Activity Suggestions
Invite leaders of different kinds to speak to your church group. Ask them why they chose to pursue that specific sort of leadership. Then ask them to reflect on Jesus’ decision “not to be served, but to serve.”
Take time to journal about leaders that you admire. As you list the people, also note what it is that you admire about each particular leader. Then ask yourself whether this person reflects the leadership qualities seen in Jesus.
Closing Prayer
God of All, teach us to embrace your humble style of leadership. When you call us to lead, inspire us to serve the public good rather than seek personal gain. When you call us to follow, encourage us to hold our leaders to the standards you set through Jesus, the one who leads us into abundant life. We pray this all in the name of Jesus Christ: Amen.