LEADERSHIP BLOG #15: “the enslaved leader”
by TJ Marrow
Leaders are not servants, or so it would it seem that way. A leader is in charge or elevated above other people where everyone is looking at him or her. Why would the leader be serving? It is how things are and how things should be…not really.
So who should serve? Whose responsibility is it? Why? Is it constant or just a “one time thing?” Where would we even find this type of leadership?
Jesus.
In order grasp the entire concept, we have to take a look at His entire life. His entire ministry is built around this one idea of serving others. He is ministering to (serving) others, healing the lesser valued people of society, feeding the hungry, talking with the rich and religious leaders about eternal life; He was motivated by something! “Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be a slave to all. For even the Son of Man [Jesus] came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:43-45). WHAT?! Are you joking? A slave to all?!
This is Jesus’ purpose! He is motivated by His love for His Father that it carries over into loving people. He has a driving force that allows Him to serve! In Jeff Iorg’s The Character of Leadership, he sums it up with this: “Christian leaders are servants who enslave themselves for the good of their followers.”
Let’s be clear: it’s not allowing others to walk all over you and trample you into the ground. Instead, it’s the posture or attitude of serving! It is far different than what culture teaches us. It’s far different than a celebrity serving food in Africa than a humble Christian motivated by His love for Jesus Christ and others! If serving makes you feel good than you have missed the entire point because it elevates you rather than elevating and exalting Jesus Christ!
What’s your motivation? There must be a servant attitude in order to be an effective leader. Paul in Philippians 2:5 teaches and commands “Make your own attitude that of Jesus Christ.” Your love for God is your driving force, your motivation.
So let me ask again, what is your motivation?
