Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant… Matthew 20:25-26

When you envision what it means to lead, do you imagine being powerful? When we look to our political or even church leaders, we might come away with the negative idea that leadership means you are “lording it over others.” It can be easy to distrust leaders, or hunger for leadership ourselves, in a desire for personal power.

Scripture usually contrasts with what we see around us, and in the area of leadership, it’s truer than ever.  The Bible equates leading with service. Servanthood is hard work and rarely glamorous. “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,” the Bible instructs, “rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).

A leader is anyone who encourages others in obedience to God. That can happen in the quietest, humblest ways so even a child can lead in this regard. A Christ-follower must lead by using authority only in obedience to God and love for others.  We are to be faithful to our partners, marked by moderation, self-controlled, worthy of respect, hospitable, able to teach, gentle instead of violent, not quarrelsome, and not a lover of money (1 Timothy 3:2-3).

Regardless of your current title at home, work, or in community, let’s lead others by serving others as Christ Himself served. “True greatness, true leadership, is found in giving yourself in service to others, not in coaxing or inducing others to serve you.”[1]

 

Resource reading: Philippians 2:5-7, 1 Timothy 3:1-16

[1] Hayashi, J. (2018, June 06). 23 quotes to shape your leadership. Retrieved April 07, 2021, from https://www.biblicalleadership.com/blogs/23-quotes-to-shape-your-biblical-leadership/