Issue #197, December 21, 2016
A scripture verse usually inspires my thoughts on leadership. But this Christmas it was a picture that captured my attention. We often hear the story of the biblical Kings who came to worship. On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Then they opened their treasures and presented him with gifts of gold and of incense and of myrrh (Matthew 2:11). The painting I saw was a special painting of royalty from many nations, bowing down to worship the baby in the manger. From every nation, they bowed in worship and laid down their crowns to the child who was born King of Kings. The picture of these kings bowing down caused me to reflect on what it means for leaders to worship. Servant leaders bow down to worship. They “lay down” their crowns. What are the things servant leaders lay before the King?
Servant leaders lay down their roles.
We may be “kings” where we lead and can tell others what to do, share vision and make decisions. But when we see Jesus, we meet someone of a much higher rank. He is the one with the position far greater than any we might hold! Servant leaders respond by bowing down and surrendering.
This Christmas season, pause for a moment and look at Jesus. Prayerfully hold your position in your hand and lay it down at the feet of Jesus. Acknowledge that He is the King.
Servant leaders lay down their rights.
The kings were used to being served and having others meet their needs. As leaders, they surely expected others to give them respect and many privileges that accompanied royalty. But as they knelt before Jesus, they did not ask for anything or expect special treatment. They surrendered their rights. Servant leaders relinquish their rights to be respected, thanked, and appreciated.
This Christmas, pause for a moment as you look at Jesus. What rights do you hold in your hand? Prayerfully lay them down at the feet of Jesus. Surrender your rights as you kneel before Him.
Servant leaders lay down their resources.
The Kings brought gifts as they worshipped Jesus. They laid down their treasures. We may not know the actual value of the gifts they offered, but it was certainly not a cheap and easy offering. They gave their precious resources to Jesus. Even the months of time they took to travel was surrendered as a gift to Jesus. Servant leaders recognize that they are simply stewards of any resources they have. They recognize that all they possess actually belongs to Jesus and they are willing to lay it all down in worship.
This Christmas season, pause for a moment and look at Jesus. What resources do you hold in your hand? What will it mean for you to give them to Jesus? Prayerfully lay them down at the feet of Jesus.
Servant leaders bow and worship Jesus, not only at Christmas but always! And as they worship, they lead others to bow with them at the feet of the greatest servant leader the world has ever known.
I wish each of you fellow leaders a blessed and joyous Christmas! It’s a privilege for me to share my thoughts with you on a regular basis and I’m grateful for all you do to represent the King in your realm of leadership.
Until next time, yours on the journey,
Jon Byler
Here’s the link to the picture that inspired this reflection along with a newspaper article:
After New Year’s we’ll continue looking at the series on timing, a time to encourage.
Copyright, Jon Byler 2016.