August 14

Nehemiah, 1 Corinthians 9, 

In our reading today we learn about servant leadership. What is a servant leader?  The term itself when you first look at it sounds a little contradictory.  How can you lead and serve at the same time?  Jesus answers this in Matthew 20:25-28. When He washed the disciples feet, He said "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." The humility expressed by His act with a towel and a basin foreshadowed His ultimate act of humility and love on the cross.The concept of leadership isn't knew, Jesus just gave it new meaning. Contrary to worldly belief, leadership isn't about making our names know, it's about making God's name known. We see in our reading today that everything Paul did, he did to boast about the Lord, even in his suffering.  Nehemiah exemplifies servant leadership in his prayer life by fasting, weeping and mourning for days before God (1:4).  There are many servant leaders throughout the Bible and if we look around us, I'm sure we can identify some we have met through our lives as well.  We can recognize a servant leader by their integrity. As a servant leader, integrity is the foundation on which all other leadership qualities are built. Proverbs 21:3 is a reminder that Jesus calls us to walk in the ways of righteousness and justice. I think that means our actions should reflect our faith. A second quality of a servant leader is humility. "Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience."(Colossians 3:12) One of the most difficult things to admit to ourselves and others is that we don't know it all. Servant leaders also practice flexibility. They're willing to adapt to their situations and surroundings. They recognize that life can throw them into unexpected situations or challenges. (Phil. 4:12-13) Servant leaders steward the gift God has given them to bring Him glory. (1 Peter 4:10). I think it's important for us to realize that we are all God's masterpiece with unique qualities and gifts that He has given us to work in unity as the Body of Christ.  We are all called to be servant leaders. Reflecting as I write, I realize that I miss the mark on the daily, but thankfully God's mercy is new every day. Jesus is our model for servant leadership. I'm left thinking about what changes I can make in myself which will align my thinking with His.

Randi