True Servant Leadership- know thy place (part 1)
GENESIS 1
Adam was made in the likeness of God. And while that may suggest that he had moral choice or an intellect far above that of the beasts, it meant something else as well. One need not read far into the creation narrative of Genesis to quickly see the truth of humanity when it comes to their role among the rest of God’s handiwork. “Let us make mankind in our image, after our likeness. And let them rule.” From these early pages of scripture, a truth quickly pierces the darkness like the dawn of light bursting forth to a new day; God designed humans to rule.
Human Beings Were Created To Rule.
God’s intent for humanity to rule may seem contrary to good Biblical truth for those who read scripture from an unbalanced and unhealthy perspective. Indeed, this image may bring to mind thoughts of Southern landowners abusing their slaves in the name of the Christian-right, or of medieval crusaders demanding infidels convert to the faith or be exterminated. For this reason, it has been common for Christians to “yank the wheel” in reaction and fear, assuming that moral Christianity should rather look self-degrading, pathetic, or frail. This however has never been the case. Messages of Christ-like meekness do not assume human weakness. There is no eternal power found in behaving in cowardice. And while Jesus calls his followers to learn to take up the towel of service, he never calls them to forsake their God-given responsibilities and roles. Christianity is for those who would soar as eagles, not peck at the ground as chickens.
God Is Calling Leaders.
To be a man or woman of God is not to forsake leadership, but rather to learn to lead well. It is to know and appreciate one’s place in the natural order of life. Biblical leadership sees that human beings stand somewhere between those above them and those below them (based on age, rank, role, or responsibility). They understand that there will always be someone of authority to submit to and honor, while someone else under authority to train and guide. Thus, Biblical leaders embrace the calling they have been given and seek to do so as they best can, as God has commanded and deemed right.
Take Up The Role of Leadership.
Just as there is no honor in usurping the authority of those ranked above us, so too it is wrong to deny our calling as leaders to those who rank below us. Neglecting one’s own duty is neither humble nor is it meek. It is not admirable to fold or forsake one’s established purpose in God. And so, as leaders we gladly know and accept our place in the larger order of things. We choose to embrace that which God has called us to, trusting that we would not have such responsibility if it were not given from him above.
Questions Worth Considering-
Who have you been called to lead?
Are you leading well? Why or why not?
What changes need to take place to become the leader you have been called to be?
