I was on a call with a vendor last week discussing a software issue. We were discussing with the vendor about a piece of code that appeared to be misbehaving. The source of the problem could be debatable. There was a new representative of the vendor on the phone, whom I had not spoken with before. I was so impressed with the guy. He demeanor so calm and helpful, when he could have taken a very defensive position. And then at the end of the call I was so shocked as he cheerfully said
“Is there anything else?”
The question was asked with such winsomeness and joy that I was completely taken back. It was as if he was really wanted to know if we had any other issues to discuss. Very Nice.
I thought is was a great example of the type of leadership and interact that Jesus tells his guys about in Mark 10, after they attempt to build themselves up a bit.
42Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Mark 10 NASB
I don’t fault James and John any. We tend to spend a little more time thinking about ourselves more than others. But man, the Christ gives us a challenge. And a difficult one at that! Just imagine if we rose to that challenge every day and continue asked those around is “Is there anything else?”