Princes Walking as Servants
Today’s Verse:
I have seen servants upon horses, and princes walking as servants upon the earth. ~Ecclesiastes 10:7
This morning, we see one of the paradoxes in the Bible. During Solomon’s day, the idea of a prince walking as a servant was preposterous. Princes and people of royalty did not do servile work. It would be out of character that a prince would lower himself, dirty his hands, or be a servant to others. Solomon’s reference speaks of God’s humbling of leaders who are foolish and prideful in their dealings. However, the concept of princes walking as servants is a powerful principle concerning servant leadership.
We see the principle.
Servant leadership is a biblical principle taught and emphasized by our Lord Jesus Christ. “But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant” (Matthew 20:26-27). Secular leadership prides itself on how many people are serving the leader. Servant leadership is exalted because it focuses on how many people the leader is serving. Jesus said of Himself that He came not to be ministered to, but to minister and give His life a ransom for many.
We see the performance.
Servant leadership is giving and, even, sacrificial. It embodies the basin and the towel. Foot washing was considered servant work. However, Jesus washed the feet of His disciples to show the depths in which we should be willing to serve others. Servant leadership builds up others. It emphasizes leadership by inspiration and not by intimidation. Servant leadership seeks to bring the best out of people and not set them up for failure. Servant leadership is longsuffering and kind. Servant leadership sees the need and takes the lead. It drives others to successful accomplishment that benefits everyone, and not just the leader.
We see the pattern.
Servant leadership is caught more than it is taught. Leaders-in-training must see that those mentoring them are modeling the servant’s role. They must see a prince walking as a servant. A servant leader knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way. Instead of complaining who did not do a task, a servant leader rolls up his sleeves and does it quietly. A prince walking as a servant does not seek to draw attention to himself, but, instead, seeks to glorify God in the task and accomplishment.
We see the product.
Servant leaders produce other servant leaders. Paul is another example of a servant leader. He produced servant leaders in Timothy, Titus, and other men. The goal in building a spiritually-healthy organization is having leaders who, by example, initiative, and passion, are servants in what they do. Make it your passion to lead through serving. Be a servant leader who leads through serving.
Have a servant-minded God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Genesis 4-7