It is an interesting question and depending on the person you ask you will get different answers. Some run for leadership positions out of pride with a desire for power. Some take on leadership positions out of humility with a desire to serve. Some find themselves in positions of leadership because of their servants hearts and humble living. How about you? Do you do what you do in order to serve others? Do you do what you do in order to gain power over others?
An interesting question or quote some may have heard that it is lonely at the top. If that is the case then have they climbed the mountain alone? If that is the case then were they just walking and not leading? As I was looking for the quote “He who thinks he leads, but has no followers, is only taking a walk.”, I found this interesting article by John C. Maxwell titled “Are you really leading, or are you just taking a walk?“
The ways of the world and the ways of God seem to run into conflicts because of these differing views. So are you leading with a vision of where you are going that will cause others to want to follow you? Are you leading with a vision to serve those who are following you or trying use your position to control them? Where is your heart at? What is your motivation? What is it that you really want? Have you been called to lead? If so then will you accept the calling and do it God’s way?
The One Year Daily Insights with Zig Ziglar and Dr. Ike Reighard for February 8th
The Paradox of Leadership
MEMORY VERSE OF THE DAY: Matthew 20:26
‘Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. ‘
POINTS FROM THE DEVOTIONAL:
- Consider reading the book “Good to Great” by Jim Collins
- How do you hire a CEO?
- Are you looking for someone who is a charismatic leader?
- Are you looking for someone who is a genius who brings their helpers?
- Are you looking for someone who is looking to be the center of attention?
- Are you looking for someone who demands to be the center of attention?
- Are you looking for someone who is looking to receive the praise?
- Are you looking for someone who looks down at the other employees? Looks to them like helpers who deserve no recognition?
- Are you looking for someone who is a humble visionary?
- Are you looking for someone who can lead with passion?
- Are you looking for someone who will share the recognition and the praise?
- Are you looking for someone who will give credit to everyone and anyone?
- Are they looking for someone from a world or a Jesus leadership strategy?
- As you see in today’s verse of the day, Jesus’ leadership strategy goes against the natural and normal tendency of man and tells those who want to lead that they need to serve!
- Jesus went beyond just telling them but rather He was a living example to those who were with Him. Remember how He took a towel and started going around the table to wash the feet of the people at the table?
- Let’s read the full paragraph:
- ‘And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”’
— Matthew 20:24-28
- ‘And when the ten heard it, they were greatly displeased with the two brothers. But Jesus called them to Himself and said, “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and those who are great exercise authority over them. Yet it shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave— just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”’
- If we want to lead then we need to be willing to serve and do the lowest of jobs in order to serve others. Jesus’ washing of the feet of the men at the table would have taken Jesus who was the top and had him doing the job of the lowest servant in a home.
- So are you willing to serve your family in order to lead them well?
- Are you willing to serve your employees in order to lead them well?
- Will you take time to do the most humble tasks?
- Will you make time to engage the people and care enough to ask about them and their families?
- Will you make time to go out and be with the people where they are at and help rather than pile on?
- Don’t be too busy to be able to serve and connect with people or you will find yourself going for a walk by yourself and when you get to the top you will find it quite lonely because you forgot to bring others with you.
DISCUSSION TOPICS FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
What impact do “geniuses with a thousand helpers” have on those under them?
- Feel undervalue
- Feel disconnected
- Feel temporary
What impact do “humble visionaries” have on people? What are two things you can do today to be a servant to those around you?
- Feel connected
- Feel valued
- Will follow and all get to have the mountain top experiences together!
- Reach out and connect with them – speaking the truth in love and chipping in to help them right where they are at.
QUOTES FROM TODAY’S DEVOTIONAL:
— Woodrow Wilson
“Duty makes us do things well, but love makes us do them beautifully.”
— Zig Ziglar
Today’s reading from Tanakh:
Where are you at today? Are you looking for guidance? Are you wondering where to turn? Are you at the end of your rope and needing help? Are you ready for some help? Are you ready to turn to God and ask? seek? knock? Let’s pray together.
I come to you in prayer asking for the
forgiveness of my Sins. I confess with my
mouth and believe with my heart that
Jesus is your Son, And that he died on the
Cross at Calvary that I might be forgiven.
and have Eternal Life in the Kingdom of
Heaven. Father, I believe that Jesus rose
from the dead and I ask you right now to
come in to my life and be my personal
Lord and Savior. I repent of my Sins and
will Worship you all the day’s of my Life!
Because your word is truth, I confess with
my mouth that I am Born Again and
Cleansed by the Blood of Jesus! In Jesus
Name, Amen
Did you pray with me?
Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision?
Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
Did you pray with me?
Would you be willing to leave me a comment so that I can pray with and for you about such an incredible decision?
Or if you don’t feel comfortable leaving a comment on my blog, why not email or text me instead?
God's story through my life from 2005 to eternity... 