Where Leadership Serves and Faith Works
Devotional week 20
"Since an overseer manages God’s household, he must be blameless—not overbearing, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not pursuing dishonest gain. Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined. He must hold firmly to the trustworthy message as it has been taught, so that he can encourage others by sound doctrine and refute those who oppose it." Titus 1:7-9 (NIV)
I have spent the past 20 years working as a freelancer. As a designer, my profession has allowed that. I have never had direct supervisors or bosses chasing me for goals. In truth, my leaders are, in a way, my clients. Let me explain: my clients lead by bringing a project's vision, values, and goals. I lead by transforming that vision into effective visual solutions, offering guidance based on my experience.
Leadership is not about hierarchy, but partnership and relationships. Each one leads in what they know, with mutual respect and a shared commitment to the outcome.
This kind of leadership – servant-hearted and collaborative – is precisely what I have seen reflected in the story of Truett Cathy, founder of Chick-fil-A, a company well known among the leadership of my church in Brazil. Although he was at the organisation's top, Cathy didn’t lead by dominance. He led by serving: keeping stores closed on Sundays so employees could rest and be with their families, investing in scholarship programs for his team, and creating a work culture where people felt respected and valued.
Cathy believed that business was a platform to bless others. He modelled leadership of service, placing dignity and the well-being of others above profit. His leadership style, focused on care and service, beautifully mirrors what Titus 1:7–9 teaches about leading with love, integrity, and faithfulness to God’s truth.
Jesus is the ultimate example of this. He knew how to follow, listen and serve.
He followed the Father in complete obedience.
“Very truly I tell you, the Son can do nothing by himself; he can do only what he sees his Father doing, because whatever the Father does the Son also does.” John 5:19 (NIV)
He listened with spiritual intimacy.
“The words I say to you I do not speak on my own authority. Rather, it is the Father, living in me, who is doing his work.” John 14:10 (NIV)
He served with humility and love.
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45 (NIV)
Jesus led with authority, but was always obedient to the Father, attentive to others, and ready to act compassionately. His leadership model is radically different from what we often experience. It doesn’t dominate, but transforms, through example, love, and service.
Challenge
Reflect on how you lead others. This week, find at least one opportunity to serve someone you work with by offering your expertise, encouraging them, or simply listening. Leadership begins with love.
Prayer
Lord Jesus, thank you for showing us what authentic leadership looks like. Help me to lead as you did — with humility, wisdom, and grace. Teach me to serve those I work with, so that my life at work may reflect your love and truth. Amen.