Servant Leader

Do you seek to have power over someone else? Are you upset with the leaders appointed over you? Do you see them as tyrants who lord their power over those beneath them? How would you change the environment if you were in charge? Would you serve everyone?

Power can be intoxicating. We may have the best of intentions, and yet, be overwhelmed by the lure of power. Despite having a desire to make things far better, we can become the tyrant who is unwilling to listen to others and dictates changes based solely on personal preferences.

Jesus talks about rulers. His statement is generic enough to apply to team leads, section heads, CEO’s, mayors, governors, presidents, and kings and queens. It doesn’t matter who the person is or the title they hold, people can become tyrants when they are put in charge of other people.

But Jesus tells us that is not how it is to be among His followers. Those who are put in leadership positions are to be servants of all. In other words, the leaders are to seek the best for everyone within their charge. That does not mean the leader can give everyone what they want. It does mean the leader is to seek to carry out plans that will have the best results for everyone.

Within the church, the pastor is often seen as the senior person. They are regarded as the shepherd of the flock. Yet, every church body has various committees with a variety of people sitting on them. Each person is there to represent the flock and provide insight to what is needed. The pastor is to listen to them, pray for God’s guidance, and guide the flock according to God’s plan.

I pray our leaders seek to serve the body of Christ. I pray we seek to serve others when we are leaders. I pray each one of us choose to serve one another and pray for our leaders to follow Jesus’ example. Serve the body of Christ. Be a servant leader. Pray for every leader.

Mark 10:42-44 So Jesus called them and said to them, “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all.”