Servant Leadership

Here goes with semester #2 at Dallas Seminary.  I'm taking a light load this semester - Old Testament History and Dynamics of Leadership.  I'm really pumped about the leadership class.   Only a few days into it and I am bathing in the wisdom being passed down from the likes of Howard Hendricks, Chuck Swindoll, Oswald Sanders, A.W. Tozer....true servant leaders.

Guys, if you haven't heard by now the name of the game is servant leadership.  (In fact, in the Old Testament "servant" is used more in terms of leadership than "leader.")  My response to this servant leadership thing is, "oh crap!"  Not only do I stink at servant leadership, but I have fallen for the stupid lie that society serves up.  The world tells us leadership is everything BUT servant leadership.  The world teaches us leadership is glamorous.  It tells us we will be accepted and popular as leaders.  What's more, the world encourages us to follow our selfish ambitions to get there.  The message from the world is clear - it's all about ME.  Step on a few people to get to the top?  Oh well, no big deal.  Relax and enjoy the view when you get there.  Enjoy all the creature comforts and a cushy salary!  You have "arrived," society would have us believe.  Nevermind taking time to listen and learn from others.  You have made it.  Who cares what your subordinates have to say.  You're on Easy Street now!

Perhaps it sounds a little exaggerated?  It's not.  It is a very real temptation.  I have fallen for it.  Have you?  Even if to a different degree, chances are you have (or will).  The world's idea of leadership is the farthest thing from servant leadership.  The world wants us to believe it's all about ME, ME, ME, not you, you, you.  Servant leadership is everything opposite.  It is putting others before self.  No surprise here, it is actually about serving.  It is encouraging and building others up.  It is an absolute position of humility.  It is a sacrifice and it will cost you EVERYTHING.  Most are not willing to pay the price.  (This is why I say, "oh crap!")  It is hard.  It does not come naturally.  If God is calling you to be a servant leader (and He is) it will demand your life.  The ONLY way we can aspire to this life of greatness is through Jesus Christ. 

“Because we children of Adam want to become great,

He became small.

Because we will not stoop,

He humbled Himself.

Because we want to rule,

He came to serve.”  

(from "Spiritual Leadership" by Oswald Sanders)

GrantJ