Principles of Servant Leadership

[S] Mark 10:42-45  --

 ⁴²Calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, "You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them.
 ⁴³"But it is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant;
 ⁴⁴and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all.
 ⁴⁵"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."

[O] After noticing His disciples jocking for a "better" position as leaders, He explains that Kingdom of God operates on a different set of leadership qualities.  The Gentiles use authority to rule those below them to keep the followers in line with their leadership.  But even though somewhat confusing Godly leaders are to lead by serving the followers to the point of being their slaves.  Jesus who is God Himself also modeled this for us to follow by lowering Himself to this world into a limited human form so He would serve us and in the end of His earthly life became the slave of our human sinful nature.

Jesus' teaching was clear.  The servant leadership model He set before the disciples is about laying down one's life for those who follow.  It's not the picture of a army captain ordering his subordinates but more like a good coach who serves his players so they may shine.  Not an easy thing to do.  Let's see where I'm to apply this in my life: parenting, managing employees, teaching classes, leading small group leaders -- most of what I do!

[A] My father's passed on to me his way of servant leadership because at the core of his life as my dad, he wasn't afraid to sacrifice for me and always in the mode of serving my needs whether it may have been material or emotional.  After he's gone with the Lord, this core value of his was highlighted even more and I miss him more and appreciation for his care for my life is magnified to the fullest.  I am so thankful for his setting such a wonderful example for me to follow.  At times I feel that I am not as aggressive but meditating on this passage I feel it's better to be in the serving attitude (i.e., not as aggressive) than to lord over others.

Regarding my role as the leader of the small group leaders, I also want to be the servant leader for them.  I hope I will remember to keep this bearing especially when conflicts arise despite how hard I try not to cause it, I know it will happen out of misunderstandings and different expectations.

[P] Dear God, grant me the heart of Your servant leadership so I would exemplify Your spirit of leadership in all aspects of my life especially in my parenting and my role as the leader of the small group leaders.  In Jesus' name.  Amen.