The Selfish Leader Is A Lonely Leader

Philippians 2:3-8

"Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility regard others as better than yourselves. Let each of you look not to your own interests, but to the interests of others. Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not regard equality with God as something to be exploited, but emptied himself, taking the form of a slave, being born in human likeness. And being found in human form, he humbled himself and became obedient to the point of death—even death on a cross."




     There are many leaders in church who want the title, but not the work. I find myself constantly frustrated in conversations with people who say they want to progress in the calling that God has on their life, yet they cannot figure out why nothing is happening. The major problem I see with these types of leaders, and yes they are leaders, is that they want the results of their call without the hard work that it entails. As the church, many of us have forgotten what it means to be a leader.
     A leader is a servant; this is the highest call of a leader. Most leaders believe that delegation and accomplishing goals is what makes them "good" at their job. Because of this type of reasoning, which may be true in the business world, many leaders have left those helping feeling used and taken advantage of. The goals must be completed, but not at the cost of losing what it means to be a leader. A leader takes the example of Jesus:

1. No "Selfish Ambition": The leader looks first to those around them and not their own tasks. The goals and dreams of others become more important than their own. A leader recognizes that when the goals of others are encouraged and supported their own desires and goals are accomplished as well.
2. Having the "Same mind That Was In Christ": Although Christ is God, he laid down his eternal power, while on earth, to accomplish the goal of the Father.  A leader is able to see the bigger purpose of the call in others, help them achieve those goals God has for their lives, and show them full support. In addition, the leader, although they recognize their position (Jesus was in the form of God) of authority, they do not use that authority to exploit those around them. They use their authority to be the greatest servant. A good leader takes their power and distributes it to others! 
3. "Obedient to the point of death": A good leader serves others with a true affection. They genuinely care about the person. The good leader really loves the one they are serving. Who would lay down their life for one they do not love? A good leader must learn to empathize, hurt for those in their life, and be willing to serve those around them at all costs (obviously not at the cost of hurting others).

     If you want to be a good leader, begin by serving. Do the jobs that nobody else wants to do; clean up chairs after church, help out in the children's ministry, love on some punk kids at an outreach, serve the homeless and elderly. Many people want to be on stage giving the sermon, but they do not want to serve those right in front of their eyes--that must change if we desire to see others changed! Jesus came to serve (and give his life as a ransom), not be served!