Read: Matthew 23-24
“The greatest among you will be your servant. For those who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.” (Matthew 23:11-12, NLT)
Oswald Chambers said, “True greatness, true leadership, is achieved not by reducing [people] to one’s service, but by giving up oneself in selfless service to them.”
If that be true, then our greatest leadership is wherever we practice authentic servant-leadership. Our greatest influence occurs when we serve from a Christ-centered heart of love. And we are most bless-able before God when we humble ourselves in selfless service to those God has placed within our reach.
Do you want to be a great leader, have influence over people’s lives and be positioned for Divine favor? Develop your servant-leader quotient. The late Dr. Earnest J. Campbell, Senior Minister at the historic Riverside Church in new York City from 1968-1976, gave a powerful commencement address at Princeton Seminary in 1978, and the title of his message was, “They Also Serve Who Lead.”
That title is a sermon in itself. In his address, Campbell gave some characteristics of servant leaders that I have found personally challenging—and definitely worth emulating. Give some thought to these as you think about your own call to servanthood and influence:
The servant-leader is willing to assume whatever role necessary.
The servant-leader understands that there is no job beneath his dignity.
The servant-leader is willing to pay whatever price for stability, peace, and health [in his home, business or church].
The servant-leader measures his success not in how submissive people are to him, but in how much they respond to his Christ-like example.
The servant-leader takes responsibility for and watches closely the spiritual, emotional, financial and physical well-being of those in his care.
The servant-leader is never too busy to or too important for interruptions to meet whatever need people may have at the moment.
The servant-leader is quick to forgive, slow to judge.
The servant-leader is ridiculously generous.
The servant-leader is willing to pay a high price, whatever the cost, to obey God.
The servant-leader willingly puts his life on the line for God, his family, and his people.
Something to really think about, isn’t it? Have a great weekend!
Pastor Ray
Thank you.