Leadership Vs. Service

Did you know that 3+4=5? It's true, at least when using vectors in physics. How bout this, did you know that leadership=service? Well it does, actually, depending on what perspective you take.

First lets look at the world's philosophy. According to my good friends at over at Merriam-Webster the definition of leadership is "1. the office or position of a person who has commanding authority or influence." The same people define service as "contribution to the welfare of others." So how the heck are these two even related? Well in our world today, they aren't, but according to the bible they are.

Before the Last Supper Jesus does something no one ever expected. He bent over, got on his hands and knees, and started washing his disciple's feet. This was a job that was only ever done when a student, or disciple, wanted to show that they were fully devoted to their teacher, or master (normally it was done by the person themselves, or by a servant). The fact that Jesus washed his disciple's feet would have been as unbelievable as if George Bush were to walk up and start washing your feet. This was unheard of. It was an unspeakable act of love, and humbleness.

After washing His disciples feet Jesus said to them, "13 You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are right, because that's what I am. 14 And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other's feet. 15 I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." (John 13.13-15). He is setting the example of what true Leadership should be, undying love, devotion, and servitude to those who follow you. He is also saying that leadership is not something that you can be given, nor is it something you can randomly decide you want, it is something that you have to earn.

Leadership could be better defined as "love so strong for someone that they wish to be like you." At least true leadership that is. Working for someone or something, and putting maximum amounts of efforts into it is the best way to earn the status of a leader. It takes an uncanny amount of devotion.

Leadership is something that is impossible to have without God. It is extremely taxing, and wears you down. That is why you need God. You need Him to keep you energized. You need Him to help keep your heart in it. Finally you just need Him period.

Though Leadership is trying, and difficult, it is also very rewarding. It helps to build strong friendships, it is enjoyable, and it is something we are called to do as Disciples of Christ. We need to be leaders (and thus servants) to the world we live in. We need to make everyone look to us with our undying love. We need to be the men and women God has called us to be.