“Serve-Me” Leadership
You always teach what you most need to learn. So when I was asked to give a talk on servant leadership, I did a ‘deep dive’ on the subject. The concept comes from Jesus telling the disciples to “be like the one who serves.” Then saying “But I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:26-27). Since Jesus is clearly one of the greatest leaders in all of history, people put “2” and “2” together and start talking about servant leadership.
The first thing I learned is not to overlook the word “leader”. If you’re alive, you’re a leader. You may lead a team of people, your family, or maybe you simply lead yourself. You are responsible, and you are always leading. You can never not lead.
But what kind of leader are you?
Until I surrendered to Jesus, I was a “serve-me” leader. I wanted to succeed so bad, I burned through people. I didn’t care how much time they were away from their families or what they were getting out of their work. It was all about getting things done, making the numbers and making myself look good. Since all the outcomes were ‘on me’, I had to push, press, and power up to make it all come out right.
Servant leadership is different. When I stick “servant” in front of “leader”, I’m describing an attitude. Jesus said “be like” one that serves. I don’t think He was telling the owner of the restaurant to go wash all the dishes. But He was telling him not to think he’s too good to wash the dishes, or sweep the floor, or do any other job. Jesus was putting wheels on the idea of ‘consider others better than yourself’.
So how does a “serve-me” leader become a servant leader?
Delegate and relax.
Delegate the outcomes to God. Give him your company, your practice, your church, your family, yourself. Do the next right thing and trust Him with how things turn out. And relax in His love.
The kind of leader you become depends on the master you serve. If your master is yourself… your pride, your ego or your image, your leadership approach will be anything other than that of a servant. But if your Master is a loving, faithful, trustworthy, all powerful and all knowing God, then you can put people first, love and serve them, and relax knowing “He’s got this.” In the big picture… over time….you’ll see His hand in what you’re doing. And you’ll be blessed.
Question : When it comes to others, is your attitude “serve-me” or servant? Tell us here
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Responses (3)
Even though I lead in a church ministry position, there’s still a tension for me. I’m tempted toward a “serve me” attitude at times. That’s why I appreciate your post today…a good reminder about a choice toward a godly attitude.
I love the phrase, “you can never not lead.” And your advice on how to be a servant leader is so simple and effective. To delegate and trust people allows you to relax and it turns into this cycle that has only positive outcomes when used correctly! Thanks for the encouragement this morning Regi! I’m always learning things from you that I know will benefit me for years and years to come!
Regi – great post. Thank you.