One a Day Word

Leader

October 21, 2009

Luke 22:25-27 KJV

(25)  And he said unto them, The kings of the Gentiles exercise lordship over them; and they that exercise authority upon them are called benefactors.

(26)  But ye shall not be so: but he that is greatest among you, let him be as the younger; and he that is chief, as he that doth serve.

(27)  For whether is greater, he that sitteth at meat, or he that serveth? is not he that sitteth at meat? but I am among you as he that serveth.

Have you ever been a leader? Everyone has a leader, everyone has a boss, everyone has someone you answer too, and most have others who depend on them as leaders. Parents are leaders in the home, pastors are leaders at church, managers, supervisors, are leaders at work, and the list goes on, we have team leaders, group leaders, and sometimes the follower may be the leader somewhere else.

But what example are we as leaders to set? Is there a standard to go by? Do we have an example from which we can draw a conclusion?

Have you ever noticed that some leaders are arrogant, over demanding impatient, and never wrong? Have you ever noticed that some leaders can be control by their position rather than be in control of their position? Have you ever noticed that some leaders think the world revolves around them?

Do any of these sometime describe you? The temptation is easy! The pastor can easily get to the place that he/she feels as if they are the final authority, or that they have to be scary to get their message across. The supervisor or manager can be tempted to be angry and begin to shove those around them into holes of fear, intimidation, or resentment.

Good News! There is an example we can follow, (pun intended) there is a Leader we can look to as a guide. (Are you getting this?) Jesus is our Leader in teaching us how to lead. His philosophy, (if that‘s what you call it) is really simple.

If you are a leader, then become a slave to those whom you lead. Does that mean Moms should wait on the kids hand over foot? NO! Absolutely not! Does that mean a pastor or a supervisor can’t issue instruction and even discipline? No, again.

But it does mean we need to always remember if there wasn’t a follower, then there would be no need for a leader. As leaders our goal should be to improve and train those under to become leaders themselves and to help them become their very best. Sometimes this requires discipline, but most of the time it requires listening and understanding, even as a parent.

We want the best for those that follow us, so become their example by following Jesus’ example!