Leadership is Servitude
Care for the flock that God has entrusted to you. Watch over it willingly, not grudgingly—not for what you will get out of it, but because you are eager to serve God. Don’t lord it over the people assigned to your care, but lead them by your own good example. And when the Great Shepherd appears, you will receive a crown of never-ending glory and honor. 1 Peter 5:2-4 NLT
Insight
Whether we realize it or not, we all have influence. We all have the power to help or hurt those around us in life-altering ways. We can uplift others with an encouraging word, or we can crush them with criticism and condemnation. We can pray for others and humbly serve them, or we can judge them harshly and label them as “irredeemable.” Whether by perpetuating God’s love or the world’s judgment, each and every one of us has a direct and lasting impact on the lives of others.
We are leading everyone around us somewhere. The question is, are we leading those in our lives toward Christ, or toward something else? Be honest with yourself: if the people in your life followed your lead, where would they end up?
During His earthly ministry, Jesus demonstrated to us that great leadership is synonymous with servitude. Jesus led all of His followers toward true, abundant life. How did He influence others well? He knelt and washed their feet (John 13:1-17). He shed His blood for them on the cross. He didn’t use His position or status as something to leverage or lord over them (Philippians 2:6). He met them in their brokenness without judgment.
Jesus wasn’t a good leader so He could boost His own ego. He didn’t serve others so that He could feel like a “good person.” He influenced others well for their sake, so that they could experience the goodness of God. What He stood to gain—a better reputation, a sense of pride—wasn’t even a consideration. How often do we lead and serve those around us with a selfish intent? What would it look like to willingly and joyfully lead “our flock,” even when we don’t stand to gain anything?
God has given each of us a circle of influence. Even if we don’t see ourselves as “leaders,” those around us look to us to represent the One Whose name we carry. If we call ourselves “Jesus followers,” we should be demonstrating His character in our leadership. This doesn’t mean we can’t mess up or fall short. It means that when we do, we freely boast in our weaknesses, so that He can be glorified (2 Cor. 12:9).
If we are to represent God well, we need to give our lives away for the good of others—because He laid down His life for us (John 15:13). We need to do this obediently and excitedly, not grudgingly. Intentionally serving and leading those around us may start as a discipline, but over time, it can become a desire, and eventually, a delight.
Reflection
Who is in your circle of influence? How can you lead them well today / this week?
What are your motivations for leading and serving others? What would it look like to let God refine your motivations?
Prayer
Abba, it is an honor and privilege to serve Your children. Remind me that leading those around me is one in the same as serving them humbly. Empower me with the desire and motivation to give away the kind of love You so freely pour out over me. Show me how to lead those around me back to You. You are all that they need. They don’t need my counsel, they need the great Counselor. I am not their savior. My job is to humbly point them to You, their One True Savior. Refine my motivations as I lead Your children. Remind me that my ministry to them is not about what I can gain. Lord, help me to joyfully serve those around me, because that is the most sincere form of worship I can give to You. Amen.
Port City writer Kate Redenbaugh wrote today’s devotional.