The leaders who don’t lord it over, but serve those they lead, will change the world through the people they serve.
Our democratic, capitalistic society has always rewarded those who rise to the top with money, power, glory, and independence. But the big question is what they do when they get there. Do they drive big cars, have lots of servants, push people around and live to read about it in the paper the next day? This image is so prevalent that we have come to expect it from star athletes, entertainment celebrities, CEO’s, and your average everyday lottery winner. We know what to expect.
But leaders like this don’t change anyone, other than to make them jealous or resentful. Consider Jesus – one who could have had the world at his feet, instead, got down on his hands and knees at the feet of those he was leading. He could have had riches and he chose to be poor. He commanded all power, but used it to heal the sick. He could have been known far and wide, but he chose to remain obscure. The only kings he ever entertained visited him when he was but a child, before anyone knew who he was. He could have come down from the cross and brought hell to pay on his accusers, but he chose to stay there and die for us.
And what exactly did he say about leadership? “The greatest among you must be a servant.” (Matthew 23:11) Of course he would say this because this is what he did, and how can anyone be greater than he? If you are filling any kind of leadership position, from assistant soccer coach to CEO, think about how you can serve those you lead.
Once I had the privilege of meeting two brothers that owned a manufacturing company. These two guys walk among their people. They don’t throw their weight around; they throw themselves around, meeting all the needs they can. They are committed to the families of their employees and they provide counseling services for those with more serious problems. They very rarely fire anyone. If there is a problem, they really try and fix it. They take a personal responsibility for the welfare of every family. They go to bed at night wondering how everybody is. Every Christmas, they throw a banquet for their employees and their families, followed by an overnight stay at a local hotel with an indoor swimming pool. (That is a big deal in December) They are following Christ’s model of leadership, and they are making a difference in the lives of the people they serve.
The message today is to think about those we are serving today and how they are doing. How can we make it better for them? Christ will then be evident in you.
G/B Rod ……………………….Las Vegas
