SERVANT LEADERSHIP

Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for the vision you have given to those called to leadership. We are to be Servant Leaders. In order to truly be your servants, we must be humble and put others first. Your Word is filled with admonitions for us along these lines.

Dear child, I want every leader to embody Servant Leadership.

FOLLOWING THE MODEL OF JESUS
Christ Himself, the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, showed the greatest example of Servant Leadership. In Philippians 2:5-8, we read, "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" Dear Lord, help us die daily to ourselves and our hopes, dreams, and desires, and only live for you.

Dear child, feed my sheep.

LEADING THROUGH SERVING
Jesus, you provided a vivid demonstration of this when you washed the feet of your disciples. John 13:14-17 says, "Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." Help us, Lord Jesus, to wash the feet of those that you have put in our lives to serve.

Dear child, you must become less, so that I may become more, in the eyes of all those who look to you for leadership and an example of how to lead.

PUTTING OTHERS FIRST
As leaders, we are called to prioritize others above ourselves, a teaching central to your message, Lord Jesus. In Mark 9:35 you said: "Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, 'Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.'" This runs contrary to many of the world’s models of leadership, which often promote self-interest, ambition, and personal gain.

Lord Jesus, help me put others first and be deferential to all people, no matter what their station in life.

Dear child, love me with all your heart, and love others with my love.

THE STRENGTH OF GENTLENESS
Matthew 11:29 relays your words, Lord Jesus: "Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls." A servant leader knows the strength in gentleness and the power in humility.

Dear child, be like me, and you will have greater success in leadership. Be gentle, for I am gentle.

HUMBLING OURSELVES
James 4:10 reminds us, "Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up." This promise isn't about seeking positions of power for the sake of pride, but rather it's about humility and trust in the Lord. When He sees our genuine desire to serve, He can elevate us to positions where we can make a true difference.

Dear child, be like me, for I am all-powerful, and yet am the embodiment of humility.

CONCLUSION
To embrace Servant Leadership is to follow closely in the footsteps of Jesus. It is to recognize that the best leaders are those who serve, who put others first, who lead with humility and love. As we strive to be more like Jesus in our leadership roles, let's remember the words in Mark 10:42-45: Jesus called them together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, 44 and whoever wants to be first must be the slave of all. 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.”

Dear Lord, guide us as we endeavor to lead with humility, seeking always to serve as You have served us. Amen.
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Your aspiring servant, Daniel M.
October 9, 2023
POSTSCRIPT: Dear friends, if this daily, transparent “Conversations with Christ” blesses you, please go to www.SOLIDpastors.org, where you will find these posted, and a repository of all, in English and Spanish. Note: All scriptures quoted are from the NIV.
If you ever want to chat, you can reach me at Daniel@SOLIDpastors.org. May Christ bless you richly as you have your own intimate, daily conversations with Christ.