“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – August 6, 2023
God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them. Hebrews 6:10
I’m not much into television, but there is one oldie that makes me cry every single time: Undercover Boss. Whenever I watch the show, I’m always moved to tears because the bosses use their authority and influence to help and bless their employees, rather than to hurt them. The bosses are humble and generous. They don’t see their positions of authority as a reason to abuse others, but to bless them. I love this because it’s a lot like the servant leadership Jesus talks about in Scripture.
In Matthew 20:25-28 Jesus said:
But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” NLT
In this passage, Jesus said that those who want to lead must not abuse those who follow them. Instead, they must use their authority to love and serve.
When a leader leads from a place of power without love, they become tyrannical. Their only agenda is their own. They are mainly concerned with accomplishing their personal goals and building their own ego. They see those who serve them as disposable, and as objects to be used. They lack the most important gradient of leadership: love—and this creates a lack of trust in those who follow them.
When a leader leads from a place of influence with love, they see themselves as mentors and servants who are to do what is best for those who follow them, while at the same time guiding others toward goals. They do not see their employees or those they lead as a means to an end. They do not see people as objects. But rather they see them as the most important part of what they do. And, because they are connected to Christ, they treat others as Christ would treat others. They lead with wisdom and with a heart that cares for people. This creates trust in those they lead.
Additionally, when operating in love, a good leader with a servant heart has open ears to hear those they lead, but a poor leader is too busy working to accomplish their goals and soothing their own ego to really hear those who follow.
Jesus is the best example of leadership. He was not weak. He did not allow the disciples to call all the shots. Instead, he used everyday life events to show them how to live. He listened to them and led them in love. He also submitted to His Father. As He submitted, He followed His Father’s lead by doing what His Father wanted and speaking what His Father desired.
Following Jesus’ example, a leader who serves others is first connected to God. When a leader is connected to the Lord, they will serve others because that is what He will show them to do. Their service will not be from a position of fear or weakness, but rather through a position of strength and a whole lotta love.
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others” (Philippians 2:3-4).
Prayer
Lord, help me to be the kind of leader that serves those I lead for their good. Help me to love them more than I love myself and help me not to see them simply to accomplish my goals. Amen.
Application
Google, “How Jesus led” and add one principle of what you learn to your leadership style.
Related Reading
Galatians 5:13; Romans 12:1; 1 Samuel 12:24; Acts 20:35
Worship Resource
Bethel Music ft. Peter Mattis: How He Loves
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