Are you a servant leader even to those who can’t help you? (92-3)
Christian leaders should place a high value on servant leadership. The very name Christian was given to those who are followers of Jesus the Christ, the ultimate servant. Another example of a powerful leader living as a servant leader is found in 2 Samuel 9.
King Saul’s family line had been removed from the leadership of Israel by God for acts of disobedience committed by Saul. David replaced Saul as God’s anointed, serving as king of Israel. It would have been natural for David to make sure that there were no descendants of Saul left anywhere in the kingdom that may divide the loyalties of any Israelite. But David modeled servant leadership when he went a different direction and sought out those that may have been descendants of Saul to bless them.
Working through one of Saul’s household servants, David locates one descendant of Saul, his grandson, David’s friend Jonathan’s son. David told Mephibosheth, Jonathan’s son, “Don’t be afraid…for I will surely show you kindness for the sake of your father Jonathan. I will restore to you all the land that belonged to your grandfather Saul, and you will always eat at my table.”
David served Mephibosheth for Jonathan’s sake. Although King David had nothing to gain by serving him this way, he did so to reflect his love for his friend Jonathan and his gratitude for God’s kindness in his own life.
Every leader can evaluate their heart and deeply held truths concerning servant leadership when they look at their actions toward those who they have nothing to gain from, and their actions toward those who may bring confrontation rather than blessing.
No comments:
Post a Comment