SOUNDING OUT:
Servant-Leaders
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Although our culture may view the term servant-leader as an oxymoron, it is important that we do not see these words as opposites or in any way contradictory. The genuine Biblical concept of leading is serving. The world may see leading as lording over people; we should not.
Matthew 20:25-28:
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
  Greatness comes through service. Giving of oneself in service to others epitomizes true genuine Biblical leaders. The only celebrity that is worthwhile is that which opens doors to serve. Perks and special treatment are never legislated or demanded by servants. Servants don’t even expect thanks for doing what they ought. (Luke 17:19) The Hebrew bond-slave served out of love.
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Love should be the primary motivating factor for all our service. What we do in love will be rewarded. If the servant wants to profit he must love. Service in love is both meaningful and rewarding. Once we recognize our sonship and know God as a loving heavenly Father, we begin our service to Him out of the love He has shed abroad in our hearts.
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In chapter one of Improving Your Serve, Swindoll notes three categories of characteristics related to this Biblical servant image—transparent humanity, genuine humility, and absolute honesty.
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Transparent humanity deals with living without facades and hypocrisy. The servant lives before those he serves without trying to hide weaknesses or pretend he’s got it all together. Servants know perfection is in the lord, and they do their utmost to do as their lord directs. Instead of waiting until they can do things perfectly, they do things heartily when they are asked. Their response of obedience to the master’s call and their reverence for their master’s will spurs them to action. Doing the best they can, they honor their lord. They make no excuses for themselves and keep their eyes upon the Lord.
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Genuine humility is not feigned. Jesus’ invitation was:
Matthew 11:28-30:
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.
29 Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls.
30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.
  Jesus was meek and lowly in heart and it behooves us to be the same. When we yoke ourselves to him and pull together, there’s no telling what we will be able to accomplish. Walking worthily of our calling requires genuine humility.
Ephesians 4:1-3:
I therefore, the prisoner of the Lord, beseech you that ye walk worthy of the vocation wherewith ye are called,
2 With all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing one another in love;
3 Endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.
  Genuine humility involves never forgetting what God has done for you. Lowliness is the quality of esteeming others better than ourselves. Humility requires an absence of pride and is void of condescending and patronizing attitudes.
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Absolute honesty is the third characteristic. Servants maintain integrity in their affairs and stay free from deceit and fraud. They answer only to an all-knowing, loving master so they have no reason to conceal anything. They work with no ulterior motives and no hidden agendas. They say what they mean, and they mean what they say.
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Please indulge me as I change the reading schedule. Let’s read chapters 2 & 3 this week. In my book that’s less than twenty pages. We’ll see a case for unselfishness and the servant as a giver.
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