Servant leaders are successful

If you are a leader, how do you lead? Many are familiar with the term servant leader. Ever wondered where this approach to leadership came from? I am sure you are thinking of many authors who have written on this style of leadership. Nehemiah practiced this as well.

Nehemiah 5:15, But the former governors who were before me laid burdens on the people, and took from them bread and wine, besides forty shekels of silver. Yes, even their servants bore rule over the people, but I did not do so, because of the fear of God.

Nehemiah ensured that he did not "tax" the people of his constituency to cover his expense as governor. Instead he found his own means. Wow, zero taxes? Yes! Our politicians could learn from this. Including, how to spend within your means. Instead, we make "popular" decisions that costs money to the constituents to keep us in power.

The greatest example of servant leadership is Jesus. This is the source of this concept that people have been talking about in modern leadership thinking and teaching. But the concept is not new in biblical context.

Matthew 20:25-28, But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

Father, it appears difficult but with the power of the Holy Spirit and your love, I will be a servant leader.

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