The heartbeat of Lose Yourself is a call to Discipleship and Servant Leadership (Luke 9:24) . In recent years these values appear antiquated or unrealistic in a culture that seems to grow more divided with each passing day. Servant leadership should be something we aspire to, not abandon. It takes more effort and patience to lead with kindness and a servant’s heart, but this kind of leadership is the only way to heal and unite our communities. Jesus modeled this style of leadership in the Gospels and Christian leaders need to remain committed to His example amid times of uncertainty.
Biblical Servant Leadership begins with God.
Matthew 22:37 says to “love the Lord with all your heart your soul your mind and your strength – This is the Greatest Commandment.” Great leaders serve a greater purpose. God‘s plan is more important than our plan. Our leadership is best when aligning with God‘s mission. Doing otherwise is futile. Servant leadership glorifies God. The purpose of every human being is to bring glory to his creator and live as a testimony of God‘s grace. Matthew 5:16 says to “let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, glorify your Father who is in heaven.“ Don Howell Jr. stated, “Biblical servant leadership effectively promotes the Kingdom of God in the world and meets with God’s approval.” (Howell, 2003, p. 1.)
Biblical Servant Leadership is rooted in humility.
Christ is the ultimate example. Philippians chapter 2 instructs us to live like Christ.
So if there is any encouragement in Christ, any comfort from love, any participation in the Spirit, any affection and sympathy, 2 complete my joy by being of the same mind, having the same love, being in full accord and of one mind. 3 Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. 4 Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. 5 Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9 Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
The second half of the Greatest Commandment is to “love your neighbor as yourself.” Luke 14:11 adds that those of us who exalt themselves will be humbled, but those who humble themselves will be exalted. Self-serving leaders do not inspire people to greatness. When Christian leaders model humility, they set a proper example for those they lead. Gene Wilkes suggested, “Servant leaders give up personal rights to find greatness in service to others.” Mark 10:41-45, features Jesus giving one of His most famous quotes, “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Christians, likewise, are called to serve. CS Lewis stated, “the truly humble man will not be thinking about humility: he will be not be thinking about himself at all.” (Lewis, 1952, p 128)
Biblical servant leadership influences others.
Don Howell Jr. states, “Biblical servant leadership is taking the initiative to influence people to grow in holiness and to passionately promote the extension of God‘s kingdom in the world.” (Howell, 2003) Henry Blackaby adds, “Following God‘s will and influencing others to do the same for his honor, glory, and purpose, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in the lives of others; influencing of others is about moving them onto God’s agenda.” (Blackaby & Blackaby, 2001)
High moral character is imperative to have meaningful influence. 1 Timothy 3 lists qualifications for Christian leadership. Blackaby adds, “God cares more about our character than our skills, personality, or intelligence because biblically, character is a matter of the heart.” (Blackaby and Hodges, 2012) In a world filled with temptations and shortcuts, it is easy to compromise our convictions. Daily news feeds are filled with stories of impropriety and disgrace.
Biblical servant leadership is empowered by God.
9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12: 9-10
One reason Christian leaders fail is a reliance on their own strengths, talents, and skills. We forget that the first part of Acts 1:8 states, “you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.” God did not commission us and leave us alone. When Christian leaders are aware of their weaknesses, they can seek God for their empowerment and support. We are limited in our effectiveness in our own power, but we are capable beyond our expectations with God’s leading.
Christians are called by God to make disciples and live as a Gospel witness in our culture (Matthew 28:18-20). When I look at these principles in light of recent events, cultural trends, and endless media/online posturing, it reminds Christians that Servant Leadership has never been more important. Now more than ever, the world needs Christian servant leaders who can perform at a high level with humility, lead with high character and integrity, and avoid the pitfalls of success and notoriety. Most importantly, servant leaders can withstand opposition and scrutiny because they serve something higher than themselves. These principles are a reminder to lead like Christ amid difficult and polarizing times. May His grace heal our nation and transform lives.
