Meeting in the Meadow: A Servant Leader

A Servant Leader

by Roy Lessin

When the ten other disciples heard what James and John had asked, they were indignant. So Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:41-45 NLT

There is a great difference between those who are living for themselves and those who are living for Jesus. This is apparent in the workplace. Consider these differences in the area of leadership.

A servant-leader is:
Someone who can set direction and inspire instead of being bossy. 
Someone who makes others successful instead of using them for his advancement.
Someone who is genuine instead of a manipulator.
Someone who motivates through encouragement instead of through fear.
Someone who takes time to listen instead of being set in his ways. 
Someone who builds others up instead of picking them apart.
Someone who creates loyalty instead of mistrust.
Someone who imparts vision and unity instead of confusion and dissension.

Father, I want to serve you with a true heart. Work in me the heart of your Son, the heart of servant who is willing to lay down his life for others. May I express before others the attitudes and actions that are a true reflection of your heart.

This post originally appeared in October 2008, ©2016 Roy Lessin. Used with permission. Photo ©2016 Marina Bromley. For reprint permissions email meadowrequests@gmail.com