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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.