While visiting the campus of a university on a frigid winter day, I came upon two young men chipping away at thick ice on the pavement next to a lecture hall. Thinking they must be handymen who had been assigned the tough job by university officials, I said, “They didn’t tell you about this when you joined, did they?” One looked up with a smile and said, “Well, we’re both officials. I’m the vice-president and my friend here is the president.” I thanked them for their hard work and went on my way having been reminded that serving others is the mark of a true leader.

When two of Jesus’ disciples asked Him for positions of honour in His coming kingdom, the Lord gathered His twelve closest followers and told them, “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). If there was any doubt about what Jesus meant, He reminded them that He had not come to be served but to serve others and to give His life to ransom them from the power of sin (v.45).

The mark of true, godly leadership is not power and privilege, but humble service. God gives us strength to follow Jesus’ example and to lead His way.

A qualified leader is one who has learned to serve.

Author

David C. McCasland

Topics

Our Daily Bread