I have often wondered why God manifested Himself in the flesh in form of Jesus as recorded in the book of John 1:1-3, 10-14, laid aside His glory, came to earth to serve man, paying the ultimate price of death on the cross just to redeem us when He could have exerted His authority over us.
It is however quite disturbing to know that many years later, most of the people who claim to know and serve Him are not servant leaders like Him. Rather, they lord it over God’s people and have become the objects of worship instead of God, without even paying any price.
In the course of this study, we will find out more about the kind of leadership Christ exemplified.
As the Master, Jesus attributed nothing to Himself. He spoke so very fondly of The Father, showing us how to truly acknowledge The sovereignty of God. Knowing full well also that God has no equal.
Many servants of God today, are seen by their congregations as God’s equal, if not even greater than Him. (If you are in this category, please, It is time to humble yourself and reverence God, before people set you up or you set yourself up for destruction. Remember, Herod and Nebuchadnezzar).
“A servant is not greater than his master, ” said Jesus.
This however, does not in any way negate His promise of doing greater works than He did. The power to do exploits is simply His.
Jesus washed the feet of His disciples when they were supposed to wash His. He taught them that anyone wishing to be the greatest in His kingdom , should be the servant of all.
Is this the case in our churches today where ministers are unreachable and unapproachable to their congregations?
The woman with the issue of blood touched Jesus in the midst of multitudes.
Zachaeus climbed a tree to catch a glimpse of Jesus, He immediately took notice of him and granted his heart desire.
How ironic that through prayers, we can reach Almighty God whose Throne is in Heaven from the comfort of our homes and anywhere we choose but cannot reach His servants on earth whom He has appointed to serve us.
Those chosen to serve and feed God’s flock now see themselves as super qualified, better than and behave intolerably, thereby scattering the flock Christ died for.
It is not only pastors who are guilty of this. Even those called into small leadership positions also abuse the office.
Please note:
What qualifies a person for service in God’s vineyard should never be social status, academic qualifications, charisma, beauty, fat bank accounts, earthly possessions, achievements and so on.
It is the genuine Faith and testimony of the salvation of Christ in his or her life. This is also the gate pass to heaven.
Interestingly we are all called to serve, although our callings may differ. While some are noticeable, others are hidden but are equally very important.
As servants of God, let us do what is right, serving diligently with great humility not hypocrisy and eye service.
The people we are called to serve are greater than us. They are so precious to God that He chose people to feed and nurture them to spiritual maturity when they can in turn pass on the baton to others carrying forward His legacy. Therefore, He is watching and will reward every man according to his work.
The call to leadership especially in God’s house and over God’s people is a privilege. It is a great opportunity to demonstrate absolute humility, develop the fruit of The Spirit, manifest His gifts and bring glory to God.
It should never be confused with, nor reduced to leadership as obtainable and practised in the world where hostility, oppression, the use of divide and rule, shrewdness, cruelty, inhumanity, intimidation and so on are the order of the day.
An executive at work who is called into ministry to serve should never see God’s house and God’s people as an extension of his or her office to practise shrewd and cruel management principles.
The Bible is the only recommended manual for servant leadership as exemplified by Christ, not the bestsellers books written by cruel, insensitive and domineering leaders.
Young people called into leadership positions should never seize the opportunity to become so insubordinate, impolite, rude and disrespectful to their elders. Being called does not make you suddenly older or wiser overnight, it simply reveals who you truly are, whether haughty, arrogant, proud or humble.
(Samuel never disrespected Eli though he knew he was chosen to replace him, rather he learnt from him).
This is why Paul advised that novices should not handle leadership because lack of maturity and good knowledge of God’s word and ways would make them create problems in God’s house and for His people.
I wonder how many churches still read and follow Paul’s advice in the book of Titus when choosing leaders.
Leadership position is never intended to be life long. God always prepares for Himself, new and ready vessels from time to time. He has deposited so much in all His children. There is always at least someone who can do what you and I do better. Samuel replaced Eli, Elisha took over from Elijah.
God is The God of Succession. You can read more in the books of Kings.
Does that mean there is no room for honour, discipline and control in leadership?
Of course, there is plenty. You don’t fight or lobby for honour, you earn it by your humble and righteous disposition, though there will always be a Judas among the disciples. Jesus rebuked Peter and the other people when it was necessary but no one could gainsay His servant leadership quality.
A true leader gives himself to prayer and supplication and cares very much about the well being of his followers.
Godly leadership qualities should not be limited to the God’s House only. In fact, the principle is the same for nation building, in family and anywhere leaders are appointed.
God bless all genuine servant leaders who serve God’s people selflessly, not thinking too highly of themselves.
