God created you to be a leader! This is the foundation of greatness and the key to promotion in all areas of life. Leadership is not a title but how you influence the world around you. In his book “Leaders Eat Last,” Simon Sinek emphasises that true leaders prioritise the well-being of their team members over their interests. Inspired by a practice in the Marine Corps where leaders eat after their subordinates, this symbolises their commitment to their team’s welfare. As Sinek highlights, authentic leadership is about serving and caring for others.
The weekend passed in Brisbane, and I spoke at a corporate prosperity academy event at the Westin Hotel, where I was ready to serve the host and the people regardless of their faith background. As a pastor and mindset performance coach, I focused on building people, and I went with no expectation but to serve. This approach aligns with the heart of authentic leadership—service.
Leadership is Influence
As John Maxwell famously says, leadership is influence—nothing more, nothing less. The most profound aspect of Jesus’ ministry is His role as a servant leader. Through His life and teachings, Jesus exemplified the true essence of leadership rooted in service, humility, and love.
Jesus Washes the Disciples’ Feet (John 13:1-17 NKJV)
In John 13:1-17, Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, demonstrating humility and servanthood. The host typically performed this act for guests, but no one took the position, so Jesus used the moment to teach a lesson in humility and servanthood.
Verse 16: “Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him.”
Jesus wanted His disciples to understand the profound truth required to follow Him:
1. It is not beneath anyone to do menial tasks.
2. The condition of our spirit and heart matters.
These truths are applicable in various aspects of life:
The Home (Husbands/Wives): When husbands and wives learn to submit to and serve one another, the home becomes a beautiful environment.
The Marketplace (Workplace/Peers): When we move beyond our job descriptions and titles and serve our peers and the company to see everyone win, we win!
The Local Church (Volunteer your way to discovery): Instead of sitting and complaining about what you do not like, get involved and watch your heart change as you discover the Father’s heart for His people.
The Community: Find ways to serve your community daily, whether pushing a trolley for an old lady, getting up and allowing a pregnant lady to sit in your seat on the bus, or picking up a piece of paper on the floor in the mall. It’s the small things that distinguish great leaders from average ones.
Volunteering in the Local Church is a training ground for authentic leadership.
Foundations of True Leadership
1. Humility:
Philippians 2:5-8: “Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.”
Jesus, the Son of God, took on the nature of a servant. He did not seek power or status, yet He had all power and status. The most outstanding leaders are those who move beyond elevation to equality. Jesus is a true example of humility, putting yourself under for the sake of others.
2. Service:
Matthew 20:25-28: “But Jesus called them to him and said, ‘You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them. It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus redefined leadership, teaching that greatness in God’s kingdom is measured by the willingness to serve others. This mindset is authentic leadership, the servant leader. When you approach your calling, career or purpose from the perspective of serving those around you, your family, your Church, your Employment, and your community, you set yourself up to be known as a faithful servant leader. Megan and I had closed our businesses for a season to say yes to the calling to lead what was in 2019 Heritage of Faith and now Faith Legacy Believers Church; why? Servant Leadership focuses on serving the local community and laying ourselves down. When all things are done as unto the Lord, He rewards, promotes and repays you.
Call to Action
1. Serve with Humility:
As Jesus demonstrated, we should serve others humbly, putting their needs above ours. Identify a way to serve someone in your community this week, whether helping a neighbour, volunteering at a local shelter, or simply offering your time once a month in your Church.
2. Practice Sacrificial Love:
Jesus’ ultimate act of service was His sacrifice on the cross. We are called to love others sacrificially. Reflect on how you can show sacrificial love in your relationships. This might mean forgiving someone, giving generously, or standing by someone during tough times.
3. Lead by Example:
As followers of Christ, we are called to lead by example and demonstrate the kingdom’s values in our daily lives. Commit to being a role model in your Family, workplace, or community. Let others see Christ in your actions, words, and decisions.
A servant leader does not love power; a servant leader understands the power of love.
Let us leave here today with a renewed commitment to serve others, embodying Jesus’ servant leadership in all we do.
This blog was inspired by Ps Shaun’s message at Faith Legacy Believers Church on the 21st of July, 2024. You can watch the full message below.
A message every person needs to hear. Thank you Ps Shaun . 🙏