Being a Servant Leader
"Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves."1
Michael
Josephson tells about an old legend ... of a monastery in France
well-known throughout Europe because of the extraordinary leadership of a
man known only as Brother Leo. Several monks began a pilgrimage to
visit Brother Leo to learn from him. Almost immediately the monks began
to bicker as to who should do various chores.
On the third day
they met another monk who was also going to the monastery and he joined
their party. This monk never complained or shirked a duty, and whenever
the others would fight over a chore, he would gracefully volunteer and
simply do it himself. By the last day the other monks were following his
example, and they worked together smoothly.
When they reached
the monastery and asked to see Brother Leo, the man who greeted them
laughed. "But our brother is among you!" And he pointed to the fellow
who had joined them late in the trip.2
Unfortunately,
there are some today who want to be leaders, but want it for the wrong
reason. They want the position for attention, prestige, prominence,
control, money, or to push their personal belief, or philosophy (be it
good or bad), or for other false motives.
Our
world today needs good leaders. Brother Leo was a good example, and we
have the greatest example of all time... Jesus, who came to serve and to
give of himself.3 His motive was loving concern for others.
This is called "servant leadership." This type of leader does not just
command or demand, but rather models the behavior and actions they want
to see.
Josephson also said, "Can you imagine how much better
things would be if more politicians, educators and business executives
saw themselves as servant leaders?" This applies to every leadership
role... a parent in the home, a leader in the community, a pastor in the
church, an employer. The list can go on and on. Let us seek to model
the example Jesus gave us and be a "Brother Leo" today.
Suggested
prayer: Dear God, please help me to be a servant leader in whatever
capacity I find myself, and with Your help, always strive to be like
Jesus in everything I am and do. Thank You for hearing and answering my
prayer. In the name of Jesus, amen.
1. Romans 12:10 (NIV).
2. Michael Josephson, Character Counts (313.3). http://www.charactercounts.org/.
3. Philippians 2:6-8.
Today's Encounter was written by: Crystal B.
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