Humble and servant-hearted leadership
Text: Philippians 2:1–11
Humility and servant heartedness is what defined Jesus, and is a key characteristic of godly leadership.
This is what defines Godly leadership.
It’s not servant heartedness towards man, but firstly and most importantly towards God. It’s a laying down of your life, your preferences, your agenda, your opinions — to take on His ways and His will.
And this a part of our values and culture at La cité.
It is a huge honor to serve Jesus, the King.
May we never focus too much on the cost of serving Him, but let’s focus on the privilege of serving Him.
If we consider it a privilege to be commissioned by an earthly King, how can we consider it a cost to be commissioned by the Heavenly king?
Serving Him is an honor. Leadership in the church is an honor — one that we should always carry with thankfulness, humility and a determination to do our very best. Jesus is worth it all.
A great example of leadership is David.
Psalm 78:72 — David shepherded them with integrity of heart and skillful hands he led them.
David’s life is exposed in the scriptures. We see his strengths and weaknesses; we see his successes and failures; his joys and sorrows. Yet he is a man described by the Holy Spirit as a man after God’s own heart.
God could trust him because he was a man after God’s own heart.
He always sought God’s counsel, he never relied on his own skill or past successes or victories. He was humble to make adjustments when necessary — His primary motive was to please God. He always pursued a relationship with God.
He didn’t have it easy — he faced many battles, much opposition, many delays, much pain … but under His leadership the kingdom of Israel had the greatest growth and influence.
He also developed skills.
He was committed to developing His leadership ability in whatever capacity he was working — as a shepherd boy, on the run hiding from Saul, as a king …
He was able to govern effectively because he was committed to growing.
He was faithful with the little things, and could be entrusted to greater things.
We need leaders who have God’s heart, and who are skillful … Character and gifting. Both need to be developed.
Signs of servant hearted leadership:
1. Surrender to His Lordship
- Servant-heartedness — Phil 2
- Not towards one another but firstly towards God
2. Sensitivity to His timing and ability to wait for God’s timing
- Not taking matters into our own hands
3. No self-defense — allow God to defend you
- Keep your heart right / pure … no bitterness, hard heartedness
4. Ability to give mercy and forgiveness
- Deal with offenses ruthlessly and stay free
- When we allow offenses to take root, we begin to blame others for what happens to us, and we become slaves and in bondage.
5. Humility to adjust plans
6. Deep commitment to personal Integrity and righteousness
- Allowing repetitive cycle of sin in your life is not helpful to the church
- Repentance is a key part of our Christian walk
7. Know how to encourage yourself in God
- The source of your strength, healing, endurance is God — not anyone else.
- Learn to encourage yourself in God.
- This is the best place of encouragement
- It’s the only place we should go to get courage. Don’t seek it in people … don’t go fishing for encouragement …
8. Be a good listener to those you lead
- Be sensitive to their hearts, show a genuine interest in hearing from them.
- Does not mean you relinquish leadership, and allow yourself to be led — but be open to comment, counsel, advice, instruction
9. Rely on God’s word and submitted to the authority of scripture
- Good theology
10. Keep people free — no manipulation or command …
- People must follow us willingly or not at all.
- Don’t make anyone your slave.
11. Honor each one, always
- Be generous with honor for all people … not only those who perform.
- See the value in everyone way above their faults.
