“Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus.” [PHILIPPIANS 2:3–5 NASB]
The leader with Christ knows that we do not exercise leadership for our own gratification. Power is not a prize. Position is not for personal gain in any respect. To get or hold onto position is simply not an objective. Leading is not something we need to make us okay. My self-esteem is not tied to success as a leader. In companionship with Jesus, I am abundantly cared for. Who leads is God’s business. Fear of failing to keep our position does not cross our minds as we follow Jesus. We are entirely freed from what, in the world’s way, everyone recognizes to be the number-one burden of leaders.
Paul’s great “kenosis” passage in Philippians 2 lays out the path of the disciple of Jesus in leadership. The configuration of leadership is totally transformed by Jesus as we follow him into the kingdom of the heavens.
Jesus’ leaders must be as humbles as slaves. After all, he himself didn’t come to be served, but to serve (Matthew 20:28). Let Christ’s same mind-set be in us.
Lord, make me a servant, humble and meek—just as you were when you suffered the cross. Amen. [Faith that Matters]
