Becoming a Jonathan: The Joy of Relinquishing the Spotlight to Serve

Hey friend, pull up a chair—I want to share something that’s been stirring in my heart lately. In the hustle of life, whether you’re leading a team at work or guiding your family at home, it’s easy to chase the spotlight, isn’t it? You build, you strive, you aim to be like King David—the anointed leader, the conqueror, the one who steps into greatness. But what if God is calling you to be more like Jonathan? You remember him—the loyal son of Saul who could have claimed the throne but chose instead to serve David with unwavering support. Jonathan’s story in 1 Samuel isn’t about seizing power; it’s about surrendering it for a greater purpose. He relinquished his "right" to the crown, protecting David and celebrating his friend’s rise, even when it meant stepping back himself. That’s the shift I’m pondering today—from building your own kingdom to serving in someone else’s.

Think about it: when you focus on building, your identity often gets tangled in what you accomplish. You protect your position, measure success by titles or achievements, and find yourself exhausted from the constant guard. I’ve been there, wrapping my worth in roles and results, only to realize it’s a shaky foundation. But Jonathan shows you a better way: serving frees you from that trap. When you step aside to lift others, you discover delight in humility and peace in not having to be in charge. It’s like releasing a burden you didn’t need to carry—your true identity isn’t in what you do, but in who you are in Christ, a beloved child of the King (Ephesians 1:5). God doesn’t ask you to conquer alone; He invites you to serve, finding your strength in Him.

Looking back, it’s taken me years to come to this realization, and if I’m honest, I have to admit I liked the attention that came with building my own legacy. That feeling was fleeting however, a quick high that left me empty when the spotlight dimmed. What I’ve discovered, though, is that my true identity lies not in those temporary accolades but as a son of Christ, a devoted husband, a loving father, and a friend. This shift has brought a depth of peace I hadn’t known, a joy rooted in relationships rather than recognition.

So, here’s a question for you: What "throne" are you holding onto that might be keeping you from the joy of serving? Is it a leadership role where you’re more focused on control than collaboration? Or perhaps at home, where you’re building a perfect image instead of humbly supporting your family? Take a breath and ponder—God might be calling you to a Jonathan moment, where letting go brings freedom. What’s one area where you can release your grip and lift someone else up?

And friend, that’s where the real peace lies. When you serve without seeking the spotlight, you thrive in God’s design—relationships deepen, burdens lighten, and His kingdom advances. Start small: offer support to a colleague without expecting credit, or help a family member shine in their gift. You’ll find delight in the release, as I have. Let’s embrace this—serving isn’t loss; it’s gain in Christ. What’s one step you can take today to serve and experience that peace?

P.S. If this resonates, join our community, share your thoughts in the comments below—what’s one way you can serve today?

Posted at 11:05 PM CDT on Sunday, October 05, 2025.