Servant Leadership

I recently took a spiritual gift test while visiting with a pastor friend of mine. The results of that test showed that my gifts were Administration and Servant. At first I felt that it was a strange combination. Then as I began to think about the implication of them both, I began to realize that it was a great combination. I once had my pastor tell me that he was not the church members chore boy. I have often wondered how much more effective he would have been as a pastor instead of just being the Sunday morning preacher. I relish greatly in helping people. There is not a better satisfaction than helping someone with the possibility of no return or one at a minimum. I thank God for godly parents who trained me in this manner by their own example.

"Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave - just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" (Matt 20:26-28).

A rider on horseback, many years ago, came upon a squad of soldiers who were trying to move a heavy piece of timber. A corporal stood by, giving lordly orders to "heave." But the piece of timber was a trifle too heavy for the squad.

"Why don't you help them?" asked the quiet man on the horse, addressing the important corporal.

"Me? Why, I'm a corporal sir!"

Dismounting, the stranger carefully took his place with the soldiers. "Now, all together boys - heave!" he said. And the big piece of timber slid into place. The stranger mounted his horse and addressed the corporal.

"The next time you have a piece of timber for your men to handle, corporal, send for the commander-in-chief."

The horseman was George Washington, the first American president.

Whenever someone mentions your name does the word "servant" come to their mind? Jesus modeled servant-hood to twelve young men and changed the world. If you want to see others become servants you must model it yourself. George Washington was a great example of a Christian leader who was a great soldier and servant to those he led. No wonder God used this great servant to establish a new nation.

Moses was also a great leader of men. The Bible says that Moses was the most humble man on earth. That is why God could use him to lead hundreds of thousands out of slavery into the Promised Land. -OS Hillman