Legacy Leadership: Wisdom Of The Apostle PaulSample

Follower-centered, not Self-centered – Part 2

Paul’s follower-centered approach to leading demonstrates the servant-leadership modeled by Jesus throughout his earthly life. Jesus’ disciples had ample opportunity to observe this, yet, because they were hardwired to be selfish, they wanted to make sure they would have a favored position in the kingdom of God. Although the disciples had seen it up close, Jesus had to explicitly discuss the concept of servant leadership with them on multiple occasions. He turned the prevailing view of leadership upside down when he told them that that if they really wanted to rule, they would have to first become a servant.

“You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45)

Despite, his consistent modeling and clear instructions about the servant nature of leadership, the disciples continued to be focused on their own selfish ambitions. Another debate broke out on the night Jesus was betrayed. On this occasion, rather than lecturing the disciples, he provided an explicit example by performing a common task that was usually performed by the lowest servant in the household: Jesus washed the disciples’ feet.

A key question for any leader is this: Are you a self-serving leader or other-centered leader? This distinction is captured in Robert Greenleaf’s “test” for those who want to be other-centered, servant leaders:

“The best test, and most difficult to administer, is this: Do those served grow as persons? Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants? And what is the effect on the least privileged in society; will they benefit, or, at least, not be further deprived.” (Greenleaf, 1977, The Servant as Leader, pp 13-14)

The foundation of this test is the idea of pure motive discussed earlier in this plan. Paul was serving his followers by exhorting, encouraging and imploring them to grow in Christ-likeness – to “walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” This emphasis on their growth provides the basis for the real measure of a leader’s effectiveness.

Legacy Leaders embrace the principles of servant-leadership and understand that the conscious choice to lead comes after the desire to serve. This inclination is not natural. It must be energized by continuous reliance on the empowering presence of God’s Spirit 

Reflect and Act on the questions:

• Are you using the power inherent in your position to serve others or to serve yourself?
• Are you using the resources at your disposal to advance your personal agenda or to create an environment where others can thrive?
• What would servant leadership look like in each sphere of your life?
• What hindrances do expect to encounter as you implement servant leadership?
• What is something specific you could do today to implement servant leadership?