Issue #181, May 18, 2016
John the Baptist, if he were leading today, would not likely win any awards for success. His leadership did not last long, many of his key leaders left him to follow another, and the crowds at his events were declining when he was arrested and finally killed. But Jesus said of John in Luke 7:28-30, “I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John; yet the one who is least in the kingdom of God is greater than he.” (All the people, even the tax collectors, when they heard Jesus' words, acknowledged that God's way was right, because they had been baptized by John. But the Pharisees and experts in the law rejected God's purpose for themselves, because they had not been baptized by John.)
John led well because he influenced well. His leadership quietly brought deep changes in those who listened. Not all agreed with him but his life and teaching influenced everyone. His life demonstrates how servant leaders quietly influence others in ways that make an impact.
Servant leaders influence beyond their position.
John’s impact did not come from his position. In fact, it does not appear that John even had a position! Jesus calls him great but also indicates that the least in the kingdom would be greater. John was a prophet but no one appointed him to that role. He just spoke in the desert and people came to listen! His position was not the reason for his impact. He was a leader only because he influenced others. He quietly did what God called him to do and in this way he influenced many. Many persons think they are leading because they have a position or title of authority. But John challenges servant leaders not to rely on their position for influence. Instead servant leaders seek to influence as many as possible and as much as possible for the glory of God. They find ways to do that with or without a position as they expand their influence beyond their position. Their purpose is not selfish gain or personal recognition, but to quietly influence others in the right direction.
Servant leaders influence beyond their organization.
John’s leadership failed to establish an organization or even a long-lasting group of followers. But he succeeded in influencing many to follow Jesus. Those who accepted his message and were baptized by him followed Jesus. Those who rejected his message also rejected the teaching of Jesus. John was an influencer with the heart of a servant. He recognized that true leadership is not gaining followers but to quietly influence others to follow Jesus. Does this mean that leading an organization is wrong? Of course not! God may call you to lead a church, business or other organization. But John teaches us that servant leaders understand that their ultimate purpose is not to lead an organization but to help others follow Jesus. Servant leaders do not influence others towards themselves but towards Jesus. That means laying aside pride and ego and leading in ways that encourage followers to do what is right and best for them rather than the organization.
Servant leaders influence beyond their time.
When Jesus spoke these words the ministry of John was nearly finished. Herod would soon cut off his head! But John’s influence would continue long after his time of active leadership was ended. Because of the way John quietly influenced without a position and without selfishly calling people to follow himself, the impact of his leadership would not end when he died. In a future issue we will examine the length of that influence but here we simply observe that his influence carried over into the ministry of Jesus. His influence prepared the way for the next leader. Servant leaders have influence that lasts beyond their time.
John was able to make an impact that went far beyond the time he preached and led. He understood that leadership is about influencing others. He did it well and shows all servant leaders the path to true success.
For further reflection and discussion:
- To what extent do I rely on my position to influence others? If my position was taken away, would people still follow me? In what ways can I go beyond my position to influence others?
- In what areas of my life do I influence without position? What can I do to be more influential in these areas?
- Does my leadership primarily influence people towards my organization (business, profession, church, etc.) or towards Jesus? What do I need to change?
- Am I leading in a way that my influence will last beyond my time in leadership? What can I do now to increase a lasting influence?