Servant Leadership

Leadership. What does this word make you think of? Maybe, for you, leadership stirs up feelings of intimidation, fear, or doubt. Or maybe you get excited about leading! However you feel, in Christ, leadership is defined as service. For Christians, leadership isn’t about personal glory or impressive qualifications; it’s about being a servant who follows Jesus, the ultimate Servant-Leader. Because our creative Designer wired every human uniquely and because the Holy Spirit gives each Christian a unique set of spiritual gifts, there are many different opportunities to serve. Some people serve as pastors or teachers, while others serve behind the scenes—glorifying God and living out the truth of the gospel in their work as secretaries, electricians, or food service workers. No matter where you are in life, you can serve others by showing the people around you who Jesus is (Galatians 6:9-10; Colossians 3:1-17). God has given us each opportunities to serve—and to lead others to Him—in our unique lives and circumstances. Take a moment to ponder all the places you go each day—school, sports activities, work, church, or anywhere else. How many different groups of people do you interact with? Probably a lot! And the Lord has empowered you by His Spirit to serve others in every one of those places and groups of people (Ephesians 2:10). Isn’t that cool to think about? What are your gifts? What are your passions? Ask God to work through the strengths He placed in you, and then watch Him use those strengths to further His kingdom. When you feel afraid or inadequate, lean on Jesus: He is with you through it all (Matthew 28:20). The Lord has a great purpose for you. Step into that. • Chelsea Leigh • Who are some leaders in your life you look up to? What characteristics about them do you admire? • What were some ways Jesus served His disciples in the Bible? How does that demonstrate leadership? • When Jesus is leading you, how does that affect the way you lead others? He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” Mark 9:35 (NLT)

Read Verses:

Mark 9:30-37; 10:35-35; John 10:11