LEADERS ARE PEOPLE-ORIENTEDThis lesson of servant leadership was an exceedingly hard one for the
disciples to learn. Just like us, their pride and egos constantly took over
- causing great friction among them! All of us are familiar with the
occasion when His disciples were arguing among themselves over who
was the greatest one among their ranks. As we listen to their heated
argument, and Jesus’ response, we can clearly perceive the difference
between worldly leadership and spiritual leadership.
“In this world the kings and great men order their people
around, and yet they are called ‘friends of the people.’
But among you, those who are the greatest should take
the lowest rank, and the leader should be like a servant.
Normally the master sits at the table and is served by
his servants. But not here! For I am among you as one Who
serves” (Lk. 22:24-27; NLT & NIV).Jesus succinctly summarized true spiritual leadership with this paradigm:
“The greatest among you will be your servant” (Mtt. 23:11). The late
Dick Halverson, Chaplain to the United States Senate, often said: “All
progress in Christ is measured downward.” The world thinks that the route
to greatness is upward – not downward. But Christ demonstrated that
it was downward to the lowest place of a servant – even a suffering and
dying servant. Paul summarized Christ-like leadership this way:
“Your attitude should be the same that Christ Jesus had.
Though He was God, He did not demand and cling to
His rights as God. He made Himself nothing; He took
the humble position of a slave and appeared in human
form. And in human form He obediently humbled Himself
even further by dying a criminal’s death on a cross” (Phil.
2:5-8; NLB).Principle:
“If you want to lead on the highest level,
be willing to serve on the lowest level.”^6
(John Maxwell)We can clearly see through the life of Christ, that humility is the true
mark of spiritual maturity and spiritual greatness! Not in upward mobility
but rather in downward mobility. Notice the steps downward Jesus took