Servant Leadership and how it reflects the character of Jesus
Devotional week 19
“The greatest among you will be your servant” Matthew 23:11 (NIV)
Reflecting on my 30+ years as a working professional, I have seen many leadership styles. My first boss was not nice, so my expectations through the years were measured against a low benchmark. It felt that it was a cultural rite for leaders to be mean, self-centric and dominating - leading through fear. As a young professional, you don’t know better; you assume that the road to success means you must be tough as nails, and softness is a sign of weakness.
But time passes, and different people cross our paths. Maybe not your direct line manager or the company's boss, but you get to observe how other leaders engage with their teams and realise the road to success can be paved with kindness and grace.
Through these observations and a nontraditional leadership course, I encountered a new model: servant leadership—a path that mirrored the teachings of Jesus. I realised that I could be successful, well-respected, and still be a good person. The recognition of servant leadership was so contrasting to what I had deemed the norm.
Human nature requires recognition. A simple “please” or “thank you” can move mountains. How much more can we positively impact the people around us when we serve those around us, so that they feel valued and recognised?
Galatians 6:9 (NIV) says, ”Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Those who made the most significant impact in my career and life have been the people who walked alongside me, withholding their judgment, because they had failed repeatedly. Their hugs on a tough day, words of encouragement when I felt like a failure, and their tough love of accountability changed me. Through their love and support, they instilled in me the principle of Hebrews 13:7 (NIV) : “ Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you, consider the outcome of their way of life and imitate their faith”.
As I reflect on the life of Jesus, I see how He led, not from a place of power or for applause, but from love. Servant leadership, at its core, reflects the character of Jesus in three powerful ways:
Compassion: Matthew 9:36 (NIV) states, “When he saw the crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, …” During Covid, I felt as helpless as those around me. However, my strength came from the Maker of heaven and earth, and He alone helped me show compassion during the most trying times. I find it easy to be compassionate daily, but I needed to draw closer to God for guidance when times were exceptionally trying.
Obedience to God’s Purpose: Jesus served because it was the will of His Father (John 6:39). Nothing he did was for personal gain or ambition. I guess that, from the outside, it might look like I want to gain favour by intimately supporting my teams. My motivation, however, is to imitate Jesus.
Humility: Jesus humiliated himself when he died on the cross, and he asks us to follow in his footsteps. Proverbs 3:36 states that He gives the humble favour.
Challenge
Ask yourself:
1. In what areas can I lead more like Jesus?
2. Did pride replace humility in my leadership engagements today?
3. Am I serving others in a meaningful way?
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us what authentic leadership looks like. Help me to lead like you, with humility, love, and a heart to serve. Strip away any pride in me and replace it with a spirit of compassion and obedience. May my life reflect Your character, and may others see You in how I serve. Amen
