What comes to your mind when you think about the role, responsibility, and exercise of leadership? How we answer that question reveals much about the state of our society. A well-functioning, multi-faceted society requires a variety of leadership roles carrying out their responsibilities in an effective manner. On one hand, leaders by definition operate with a degree of autonomy. On the other hand, the effectiveness of their leadership is leveraged by a proper sense of inter-dependence with other societal leadership roles. But there is one quality that is the earmark of all effective leadership and that is a servant’s mindset. However counter-intuitive that may sound to us, it is nonetheless the chief characteristic set forth by the Lord Jesus Christ to his disciples. It is key to leadership.
Our Lord took time to teach this valuable lesson to his disciples following the Passover meal. He arose from supper and “laid aside his garments; and took a towel, and girded himself. After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded” (John 13:4-5). His action created no small stir among his disciples. After all, Jesus was their Messiah and Lord, the very Son of God. “So after he had washed their feet…and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you” (John 13:12-15).
The key to understanding our Lord’s actions is found in his love for his disciples. Immediately prior to washing the disciples’ feet, the Scripture records “when Jesus knew that his hour was come that he should depart out of this world unto the Father, having loved his own which were in the world, he loved them unto the end” (John 13:1; emphasis added). His example declares and teaches that love flows from authority.
Love then is a superintending and selfless care for those under authority. This mindset, consequently, must be the prevailing and governing mindset of all who exercise authority by virtue of their leadership roles. Another way of expressing this truth is that a leader’s thinking must be governed by the benefit accrued to those under their leadership. Leaders do what is best for those whom they lead. In this sense, leaders serve those under their leadership.
At one time during Jesus’ earthly ministry, James and John requested of him that they might sit on his right hand and on his left hand in his kingdom. Christ pointed out that they had mischaracterized the purpose of leadership, which is not found in position, but in service. He both admonished and challenged them (James and John, as well as all the disciples) saying “whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:44-45). Love truly does flow from authority.
How about your view of leadership? Do you consider yourself a leader? Do you have in mind the best interest of those under your leadership as you lead?
From the Chaplain 