What it means to be a servant leader. © 2022 Dr. Samaria M Colbert The first thing we need to know is that a servant leader is not a position, platform it is a position and condition of the heart. When I graduated from Howard University at our graduation ceremony the president stated, “seek to serve and you will discover greatness along the way.” When you are a servant leader you are selfless and not self-focused. When you are a servant leader, you’re not motivated by self-promotion but committed and submitted to God’s agenda. It means to identify a need and recognize you are called to answer a problem. When you are a servant leader you are driven to impact someone else’s life in a positive way. Now let’s explore principles that indicate what it means to be a servant leader. Mark 9:35 New Living Translation 35 He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, “Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.” When you are a servant leader you are not concerned about wanting to be first. You are not concerned about being recognized or given a special place, you come to serve. When you are a servant leader you are a steward of the goodness of God. Meaning God feels safe releasing his heart for his people to you. It means to be submitted to God the father and His purpose for your life, not your own agenda. John 13:16 New Living Translation 16 I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. John 15:15 New Living Translation 15 I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me. When you are a servant leader your relationship with God is first. You understand pain, affliction, persecution that comes with being a servant of God. Your heart and God’s will align. God calls you friend. A servant or to serve means to perform duties or services to another. It means to present to someone. This is important because when you are a servant leader, you are the gift someone needs. God will present you and your gift to great men and women. Proverbs 22:29 New Living Translation 29 Do you see any truly competent workers? They will serve kings rather than working for ordinary people. When you are a servant leader you are diligent behind the scenes. Proverbs 22:29 King James Version 29 Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. When you are a servant leader you serve. You are not concerned about how you will be served rather what you will do to serve. Matthew 20:28 New King James Version 28 just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, Notice Jesus himself said he came to serve. What makes us think we are to grand to serve when the savor of the entire world was a servant? When you are a servant leader you are committed to the will of God and he is at the forefront of your mind. John 6:37-38 New King James Version 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will [a]by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. How to know you are a servant leader or are called to be a servant leader. Willingness. Your heart is willing. You are ready to serve, not begrudgingly or with hesitation. You don’t have to be convinced or convicted to help. You are driven by the mission, mandate, or purpose. People naturally look up to you and you operate in wisdom, without a title, platform, or a position. You are not seeking a title. You are not trying to be seen and could care less about a position at the table. You identify a problem and naturally come up with solutions. You have a heart to advocate for vulnerable populations, particularly widows and orphans. John 6:37-38 New King James Version 37 All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will [a]by no means cast out. 38 For I have come down from heaven, not to do My own will, but the will of Him who sent Me. You are a team player and work well with teams. You volunteer without being asked. You have a desire to add value to the lives of others. You are not self-centered or selfish. You naturally attract your assignment, without a marketing plan or strategy. You don’t go from church to church seeking positions only to be offended and leave when you are not recognized. You are not trying to get next to someone with a name so you can gain influence. You don’t use people for what you can get. You are genuine person with pure motives. You can be trusted with the pain of others. You don’t gossip or are entertained by the downfall of others. I reiterate to you what the president of Howard University told us on that rainy day of my graduation ceremony many years ago. “Seek to serve and you will discover greatness along the way.” Be Well © 2022 Dr. Samaria M Colbert
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