Leading with Integrity: The Heart of Servitude

Devotional

Day 1: Leading with Integrity of Heart

True character is revealed in the choices we make and the consistency with which we honor our commitments, even when no one is watching. Living with integrity of heart means reflecting Jesus in everything we say and do, treating every opportunity to serve as a privilege rather than an obligation. When we show up prepared, punctual, and with a spirit of excellence, we communicate to others that we value both our calling and the people we serve. Integrity is not just about avoiding wrongdoing, but about actively choosing to do what is right, even in the small things. As ministry leaders, our actions and words are a testimony to Christ, and our faithfulness in the little things builds trust and sets a standard for others to follow. [02:43]

Psalm 78:72 (NIV)
"And David shepherded them with integrity of heart; with skillful hands he led them."

Reflection: Is there a commitment you’ve made—big or small—where you need to follow through this week to reflect Christlike integrity to those around you?

Day 2: Serving with Skill and Excellence

God has uniquely gifted each of us with abilities and talents, not for our own glory, but to build up His church and advance His kingdom. Serving with skill means continually sharpening our gifts through training, preparation, and a daily pursuit of Jesus. Excellence in ministry is not just about technical ability, but about a heart that seeks to honor God in every task, no matter how visible or behind-the-scenes. The most important skill we can develop is a daily relationship with Jesus—reading His Word, praying, and worshiping—so that we serve from a place of spiritual strength. When we combine skill with willingness, we become effective instruments in God’s hands, ready to meet the needs of others and glorify Him in all we do. [10:13]

Romans 12:4-8 (NIV)
"For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully."

Reflection: What is one specific skill or gift God has given you that you can intentionally develop or use to serve others with greater excellence this week?

Day 3: Advancing Together as One Team

The church is called to move forward together, united in vision and mission, supporting and encouraging one another as we advance God’s kingdom. True teamwork means prioritizing the mission over personal preferences, covering and moving together, and never leaving anyone behind. When we work as one body, each part doing its work, we grow in love and effectiveness. Accountability and partnership are vital—having a “battle buddy” or accountability partner ensures that no one faces challenges alone and that we are strengthened in our walk. Building unity across all ministries and embracing community, from kids to adults, creates a culture where everyone is known, supported, and empowered to serve. [12:27]

Ephesians 4:16 (NIV)
"From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work."

Reflection: Who is someone in your ministry or church community you can intentionally encourage or support this week to help them feel part of the team?

Day 4: Embracing Second Mile Service

Second mile service is about going beyond what is required or expected, creating life-giving and unforgettable experiences for others. Jesus not only taught this principle but lived it, going the extra mile for us by humbling Himself and giving His life on the cross. When we serve with a second mile mindset, we look for opportunities to exceed expectations, serve with joy, surprise others with kindness, and remain consistent in excellence. This attitude transforms ordinary moments into kingdom opportunities and makes the love of Christ tangible to everyone we encounter. By choosing to go the extra mile, we reflect the heart of Jesus and make a lasting impact in the lives of others. [21:13]

Matthew 5:41 (NIV)
"If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles."

Reflection: What is one practical way you can go above and beyond for someone in your sphere of influence this week, turning an ordinary moment into a kingdom opportunity?

Day 5: Making Love Our Mark

The ultimate mark of a Christ-follower is love—love that goes beyond words and is demonstrated in action, especially through serving others sacrificially. Jesus commanded us to love one another as He has loved us, and it is by this love that the world will know we are His disciples. When we lead with character, develop our skills, work as a team, and serve with a second mile attitude, we help make our church known by its love. Every act of kindness, every joyful greeting, every moment of going the extra mile is an opportunity to point people to Jesus and fulfill our vision of seeing the lost found and the found set free. Let love be the motivation and the standard for all we do, so that Hope City is known as a place where people are truly loved. [23:50]

John 13:34-35 (NIV)
"A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

Reflection: Who is one person you can intentionally show Christlike love to this week—especially someone who may not expect it—and how will you do it?

Sermon Summary

At Hope City, every person who serves is called to be more than just a volunteer; each one is a ministry leader, entrusted with the responsibility and privilege of advancing God’s kingdom. Drawing from Psalm 78:72, the call is to lead with integrity of heart (character), skillful hands (skill), and a courageous spirit that charges the hill (mission). Character is reflected in every word and action, and it’s about making choices that honor God, even in the small, unseen moments. Serving is not an obligation but a privilege—an opportunity to reflect Jesus in all we do, to start and finish well, and to leave every environment better than we found it.

Skill is not just about natural talent, but about stewarding the gifts God has given, pursuing Jesus daily, and being prepared to serve with excellence. Ongoing training, a willingness to grow, and a commitment to spiritual disciplines are essential. Ministry leaders are on the front lines, and spiritual warfare is real, so the most important skill is to remain rooted in Christ, seeking Him first and standing firm against the enemy.

Charging the hill means advancing together as one team, never retreating, and never leaving anyone behind. The church is not on the defensive; it is always moving forward, shining brighter as the world grows darker. Teamwork, unity, and accountability are vital—every ministry, every leader, united under one vision, supporting and encouraging one another, and always having a “battle buddy” for accountability and support.

The heart of servitude, or “second mile service,” is the attitude and mindset that goes beyond what is required. Jesus modeled this by going the second mile for us, not only in His teaching but in His sacrificial love on the cross. Second mile service is about seeing needs, serving with joy, surprising others with kindness, and consistently exceeding expectations. This is how Hope City becomes known by its love—by turning ordinary moments into kingdom opportunities and making every person feel valued and seen.

Ultimately, the Hope City way is to lead with character, develop skill, work as a team, and show second mile service every day. The vision is clear: to see the lost found and the found set free, partnering with the Holy Spirit to love people as Jesus would.

Key Takeaways

1. Character is a Daily Choice, Not a Label True character is revealed in the small, everyday decisions—showing up when you say you will, preparing in advance, and treating every act of service as a privilege, not a burden. Integrity of heart means reflecting Jesus in both word and deed, even when no one is watching. This kind of character is not accidental; it is the result of intentional choices to honor God in every circumstance. [02:43]
2. Skillful Service Begins with Pursuing Jesus The most essential skill for any ministry leader is a vibrant, daily relationship with Christ. Excellence in serving flows from a heart that seeks God first, is rooted in His Word, and is willing to grow through training and feedback. Spiritual disciplines are not just personal habits—they are the foundation for effective, Spirit-led ministry in a world where spiritual warfare is real. [10:13]
3. Advancing God’s Kingdom Requires Teamwork and Accountability Ministry is not a solo endeavor; it is a unified effort where every leader supports, encourages, and covers one another. Prioritizing the mission over personal preferences, building synergy across ministries, and having an accountability partner (“battle buddy”) are essential for sustained impact and resilience against the enemy’s schemes. [15:21]
4. Second Mile Service is Where Kingdom Impact Happens The greatest impact is made not by meeting expectations, but by exceeding them—going the extra mile in kindness, attention, and love. Jesus modeled this by going to the cross, and He commands us to do likewise. Second mile service transforms ordinary moments into life-changing encounters, making the love of Christ tangible to all who enter our doors. [21:13]
5. Consistency in Love and Excellence Defines Our Witness Serving with joy, surprising others with kindness, and maintaining excellence every Sunday and in every ministry environment is not optional—it is the standard. This consistency is what sets Hope City apart and makes it a place where people feel seen, valued, and loved. Our identity as ministry leaders is rooted in this unwavering commitment to love as Jesus loves.

** [29:03]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:00] - Reviewing DTA 1: Character and Integrity
[02:43] - Character: Reflection and Commitment
[06:24] - The Five Ps of Serving Well
[10:13] - DTA 2: Skillful Hands and Spiritual Disciplines
[12:27] - DTA 3: Charging the Hill and Teamwork
[15:21] - Unity, Accountability, and Small Groups
[21:13] - DTA 4: Servitude and Second Mile Service
[22:33] - Jesus as the Model for Second Mile Service
[23:50] - The Command to Love and Serve
[24:54] - Practical Ways to Exceed Expectations
[26:43] - Serving with Joy and the “Core Four”
[27:47] - Creating a Culture of Kindness
[29:03] - Consistency and Excellence in Service
[30:51] - The Hope City Way: Vision and Values
[31:54] - Prayer and Blessing for Ministry Leaders
[32:47] - Final Encouragement and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Psalm 78:72 (ESV) — > With upright heart he shepherded them and guided them with his skillful hand.

Matthew 5:41 (ESV) — > And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.

John 13:34-35 (ESV) — > A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.

Observation Questions

According to Psalm 78:72, what two qualities did David use to lead the people of Israel?
In Matthew 5:41, what does Jesus say to do if someone asks you to go one mile?
What is the “new commandment” Jesus gives in John 13:34-35, and how will people recognize His disciples?
In the sermon, what does it mean to “charge the hill” as a ministry leader at Hope City? [12:27]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think the sermon emphasizes that character is shown in “the small, unseen moments” and not just in public actions? [02:43]
How does the idea of “second mile service” go beyond just fulfilling a duty? What does this look like in the context of church ministry? [21:13]
Why is teamwork and having a “battle buddy” or accountability partner considered essential for ministry leaders? [15:21]
What does it mean for Hope City to be “known by its love,” and how does this relate to Jesus’ command in John 13:34-35? [23:50]

Application Questions

The sermon says, “Character is a daily choice, not a label.” Think about your last week—was there a moment when you had to choose between what was easy and what was right? How did you respond, and what would you do differently next time? [02:43]
Serving is described as a privilege, not an obligation. Is there an area of your ministry or life where you’ve been treating service as a burden? What would it look like to shift your mindset to “I get to serve” instead of “I have to serve”? [06:24]
The most important skill for a ministry leader is to pursue Jesus daily. What is one spiritual discipline (prayer, Bible reading, worship, etc.) you want to grow in this month? How can the group help keep you accountable? [10:13]
“Charging the hill” means advancing together and never leaving anyone behind. Is there someone on your team or in your group who might feel left out or discouraged? What is one practical thing you can do this week to support or encourage them? [12:27]
Second mile service is about exceeding expectations and surprising others with kindness. Can you share a time when someone went the “second mile” for you? What is one way you can go the second mile for someone at church or in your daily life this week? [21:13]
The sermon encourages us to “turn ordinary moments into kingdom opportunities.” What is one ordinary moment you might encounter this week (at work, home, or church) that you could intentionally turn into a chance to show Christ’s love? [29:03]
Consistency in love and excellence is described as the standard, not the exception. What is one area where you struggle to be consistent? What step can you take to grow in consistency, and how can the group pray for you in this? [29:03]

Sermon Clips

Serve with both skill and will. We talked about this in DTA too, right? It's not just having the skill, but it's also having the heart to be willing, right? To allow God to use the gifts and talents that he's given you to help build the church and the body of Christ. [00:10:52] (15 seconds) #SkillAndWillServe

Prioritize the vision or the mission over personal preferences right one team one fight you know all of us you're all smart people you're all capable people you all have great ideas but we can't have too many chiefs and we can't have too many cooks in the kitchen because it spoils the soup. [00:16:17] (19 seconds) #VisionOverPreference

The first mile, that just meets the expectation. The second mile exceeds the expectation, right? The first mile, man, you just do what's required of you. The second mile, you go above and beyond, right? The first mile, you're just meeting the expectation, the basic minimum. The second mile, that's where you're exceeding the basic minimum and you're exceeding the expectation, right? Jesus said, go the second mile and that's where kingdom impact happens. [00:20:34] (33 seconds) #GoTheSecondMile

Second mile service is going beyond what's required or expected to create an unforgettable, a life-giving or life-changing experience. And this is what we wanna do every Sunday. Every Sunday, when you put on your ministry leader shirt that you're serving in, your mindset and your attitude is second mile service. I'm not just gonna show up and do what's expected. I'm gonna go the second mile. [00:21:40] (29 seconds) #SecondMileImpact

Jesus went the second mile for us. This is why. Philippians 2, 5 and 8 says this. It says, In your relationships with one another, have the same what? Mindset. Right? Servitude. It's the attitude and mindset you have when you serve. Have the same mindset as Christ Jesus. Who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage. Rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness, and being found in appearance as a man. He humbled himself by becoming obedient to death. And here's the second mile. Even death on a cross. How many of you guys know that when Jesus went to the cross, he went the second mile for you and for me? [00:22:51] (59 seconds) #ChristlikeServitude

See the need, right? See the need. Look for opportunities to exceed expectations, right? This is my challenge for you all ministry leaders. If you're scheduled to serve this Sunday, I want you to come with eyes wide open. And I want you to look specifically for opportunities where you can exceed someone's expectation. [00:25:07] (25 seconds) #SeeAndServe

Excellence is not sometimes. It's always, right? Every Sunday, with every person, in every ministry environment, second mile service. Not sometimes. We're not hit or miss. It's like every Sunday, every person, every ministry environment, second mile service. [00:29:23] (20 seconds) #ExcellenceAlways

We're taking all of DTA's training into one slide. Here's the Hope City way. What's our identity? We're ministry leaders, not volunteers. What's our values? Those are five core values. Hope finds people, hope brings change, hope serves others, hope builds community, hope gives extravagantly. What's the standard? Character skill, charge the hill. What's the servitude? Second mile service. And why are we doing all of that? Because we want to see the lost found and the found set free. That's why we're doing all of it, right? Because of our vision. We want to see the lost found and the found set free. [00:30:46] (38 seconds) #HopeCityIdentity

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