An incident during the Revolutionary War illustrates this truth beautifully.
A large-framed man on a horse came by a corporal unsuccessfully directing three privates to move a log. Despite the instructions of their leader, they simply could not lift the heavy log into place. The man on the horse asked the leader, “Why don’t you help them?” The reply: “You don’t understand. I’m a corporal.” The man got down off his horse, removed his cape, and assisted the three men. The log went into place easily. The man’s name? General George Washington. He demonstrated his leadership by being a servant.
“Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all,” (Mark 10:43–44, NKJV).
From God’s perspective, leadership is not meant to be a matter of prestige, power or control over others. Rather, leadership is influence for the purpose of helping the organization to accomplish its mission and those serving under you to maximize their God-given potential. If you are a leader, or aspiring to become one, give thought to these words from Jesus. He led as a servant. He calls us to do likewise.
The content of this article comes from “The Warrior’s Bible” (2014) and is copyrighted by Life Publishers International. Used with permission.
