The role of servanthood does not come naturally to one’s flesh. Aubrey Malphurs says that one of the greatest temptations believers face is serving themselves rather than others. [1] In Mark 10:35-37 we find the two disciples struggling with this concept. James and John requested to be elevated to honor and glory in God’s Kingdom; however, Jesus explained that Kingdom elevation and leadership looks different than what one’s flesh assumes. In the Kingdom, greatness is about servanthood, not being served (v. 43). Howell noted that Jesus wanted His followers to “embrace servanthood not lordship.” [2] In Being Leaders, Malphurs shares, “Jesus wants leaders that are willing sit not at his right or his left but at his feet. And when they sit at his feet, they’ll find there a towel, not a throne.” [3]
This type of leadership is necessary for the Christian leader because it reflects the love of Christ we are to demonstrate to others. He first demonstrated His love to us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). As a king, He did not ask His subjects to die for Him, but rather He died for them! [4] We are to humbly express His love to others by serving them. To nurture this mentality, we must remember we are unworthy servants of the Most High God, that we are serving His church, not our own, and that we must focus on others, and not ourselves. [5]
In chapter 16 of Howell’s text, he notes this about the child-like dependence servant leaders should have: “A child, however, has not yet mastered the adult arts of manipulation, self-aggrandizement, and political maneuvering. There is a trust, a simplicity of motive free from concern for social status, in a child that the disciples must study and imitate. To those with childlike hearts God reveals His hidden treasures of wisdom (Mt 11:25) and promotes to places of unexpected prominence (18:14).” [6] Throughout my ministry, I have witnessed many individuals who serve with no ulterior motives or political maneuvering. They serve faithfully with no fanfare, accolades, and sometimes with no recognition. But they understand they are simply unworthy servants of the Most High God, and one day, will hear “Well done.” May we do the same!
[1] Aubrey Malphurs, Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2003), 39.
[2] Don Howell Jr., Servants of the Servant: A Biblical Theology of Leadership (Eugene, OR: Wipf & Stock Publishers, 2003), 190.
[3] Malphurs, Being Leaders, 43.
[4] Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges, Lead Like Jesus Revisited: Lessons From the Greatest Leadership Role Model of All Time (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 2016), 163.
[5] Aubrey Malphurs, Advanced Strategic Planning: A 21st Century Model for Church and Ministry Leaders 3rd Ed. (Grand Rapids: Baker Books, 2013), 163.
[6] Howell Jr., Servants, 190.
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