Living in Increase (Part 6) - Increase in LeadershipSample

Leaders are Servants

Good leaders serve others. I will say this multiple times throughout the month, but Jesus is the ultimate leader. Therefore, we are to imitate our life after His. Many of His teachings came through the act of modeling or storytelling.

In John 13:12-17, we see that Jesus begins to wash the feet of the disciples. As He prepares to do so, Peter becomes outraged (John 13:8). It is unthinkable that Jesus, their Lord, would do something generally reserved for the lowest member of the household! However, Jesus washes their feet and says, “Do as I have done” (John 13:15).

In his book 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, John Maxwell discusses The Law of Addition. The idea is that we should add to others, not subtract. Either way, we are affecting others’ lives. With this in mind, true leaders ask, “How can I serve?”

We do not step into positions of authority so that we can lift ourselves. Instead, we step into positions of power to serve others. Jesus could have chosen to lead His entire ministry on His own. However, He selected the disciples. He spent time with them. He taught them and modeled for them how to live. If we are to imitate Jesus, then we ought to do the same.

We can’t keep our gifts to ourselves. We must give up some control and invite others to manage projects or situations with us. Consider others and the group as a whole rather than just considering yourself. By doing so, you will be a servant leader!

Carley Sheppard

Action Step: Join a volunteer team at your local church or a nonprofit organization.