Tag Archives: leadership

June 13
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“Who is more important, the one who sits at the table or the one who serves?  The one who sits at the table, of course.  But not here!  For I am among you as one who serves.”  (Luke 22:27, New Living Translation)

The disciple of Jesus is a servant.

He or she is not a “servant-leader.”  He or she is not an “apprentice-leader.”  He or she is not “doing time” as a servant until something opens up at the top of the hierarchy.  The pinnacle of a disciple’s aspiration is to be like his or her Lord; and the Lord Jesus is “among you as one who serves.”

This is so not like us.  We desire the perquisites that come with leadership; or we see leadership as a reward for being a “good foot soldier.”  But even leadership, in the estimation of our Lord, is nothing more than a greater opportunity for servitude; and “servitude” is to “service” as “being” is to “doing.”

Make servitude for the sake of being like Jesus your sole ambition as a disciple.  Even in the kingdom of God, good help is hard to find!  – Luther

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March 11
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“Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, ‘Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.’”  (Mark 9:35, NLT)

Jesus doesn’t ignore humanity’s competitive spirit, but He directs it to the channel of service — and few of us want servitude to be our destination.  Even in our “service” organizations, leadership comes with benefits: Recognition; greater autonomy; and strategic activities.  Conversely, true servitude (e. g. the condition of the servant) is marked by obscurity, slavish obedience, and seemingly menial activities (e. g. “foot-washing” and door-tending).

However, no where else is leadership — as Jesus defines leadership — to be found.

Seldom will you find a line at the doorway to true service, but inside that door you will always find the company of the risen Christ.  Is this Person sufficient, or must we have perquisites (“perks”) as well?   – Luther

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February 6
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“Jesus called them together and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you.  Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.’”  (Matthew 20: 25-28, NIV)

I like the adage: “Unless you’re the lead dog, the view never really changes.”

The problem is that my ambition for leadership almost always conflicts with what Jesus says His disciples’ ambitions ought to be vis-a-vis leadership.  While the common ideas of leadership usually involves the exercise of power, the acquisition of perquisites, and the maintenance of prestige; as a disciple of Jesus, I need always be on guard that I not use religious language to hide the agenda of secular objectives.

We cannot argue with the common concepts of leadership and their place in this world.  However, regarding their applicability in the kingdom of heaven and in the life of the Christian disciple, we must never forget Jesus’ words: “Not so with you.”  – Luther

Reminder: “Daily Encouragement” will be on its customary break tomorrow but, Lord willing, shall return on Monday.  Have a great day tomorrow in worship, fellowship, thanksgiving, and praise!

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