September 4, 2024
The tremendous impact of serving leadership comes at a high price. Jesus used the occasion of an argument among the disciples to teach them the cost of serving leadership.
24A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. 25Jesus said to them, “The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. 26But you are not to be like that. Instead, the greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves (Luke 22:24-26, NIV).
We have already examined Jesus’ call for His disciples to release their love of positions and their desire for power. The example of leaders eager to be called “benefactors” reveals the final area Jesus calls His disciples to release—prestige. Benefactors are persons who give money or assistance to a person or cause. That sounds like a good thing! But notice that Jesus says these leaders are not called benefactors by others, but they “call themselves Benefactors.” They want the prestige that comes with being a leader who gives. But they don’t have the heart of a giving leader. They are not serving others, they are serving themselves! They are consumed with prestige.
We can think of prestige as all the honor, privileges, and “perks” that come with leadership. Prestige may include the best seat at the table, the best parking spot, the biggest office, a good vehicle, a special place at the front of the line (or no line at all!), special titles, membership in the exclusive club, special attire, etc.
Serving leaders release prestige as a right.
The Gentile rulers called themselves nice names and expected everyone to give them honor and prestige because of their position. It was their right. They were quickly offended when they were not addressed with the proper title or protocol. Again Jesus calls for a radically different way. “You are not to be like that.” Serving leaders release prestige as a right. They let go of their ego to serve the organization and the people around them. They are not quickly offended when others do not respect them properly. Serving leaders should be the most honored leaders alive because they are the best! They deserve prestige more than dictators and ego-driven leaders. But they release this right to serve others.
Serving leaders reject prestige as a measure.
The leaders Jesus described used prestige as a measure of their value and success. They loved to be recognized as benefactors and made a big show of their importance. But serving leaders reject prestige as a measure of their value or success. They are not concerned with their titles and they are not impressed with the perks that come with their role. They are not afraid to mingle with ordinary people because they are not flaunting their accomplishments. Serving leaders measure their success by their ability to serve others. They see themselves as successful when others around them succeed.
Serving leaders receive prestige as stewards.
Some leaders seek perks and prestige but serving leaders seek to serve. When they receive prestige and honor, serving leaders receive them as gifts with which they are entrusted. They look for ways to bless others with the prestige given to them. They look at and affirm the contributions of others. They consciously seek to bring others into the circle of honor rather than trying to keep them out. Serving leaders don’t refuse prestige but they use it to more effectively serve others.
Serving leaders are called to release the most coveted symbols of leadership: position, power and prestige. But as they release these things, they also release to their world the impact of leadership that truly transforms, inspires, and energizes those who follow.
For further reflection and discussion:
- In my context what are the most common indicators of prestige for leaders? (List at least 5 of them.) Which of these is the most important to me?
- Are there ways I am tempted to measure my worth by the perks of my role? Do I like to remind others of those special privileges I have?
- How concerned am I about my titles? When people don’t use my title or make a mistake about my title, what does it do in my heart? How do I respond? How does that impact my ability to lead as a servant?
- In what ways can I use the honor and privileges I enjoy to serve others this week?
Until next time, yours on the journey,
Jon Byler
In the next issue, we’ll begin a new series.