Joshua provides a model to all serving leaders about how to begin well in a new role or position. As we have seen in the previous two issues, he began by acknowledging the realities of his situation, then he believed in God’s promises. But leadership is all about relationships and Joshua also models well how to connect with the people.

¹⁰  So Joshua ordered the officers of the people: ¹¹  “Go through the camp and tell the people, ‘Get your provisions ready. Three days from now you will cross the Jordan here to go in and take possession of the land the LORD your God is giving you for your own.’ ” ¹²  But to the Reubenites, the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh, Joshua said, ¹³  “Remember the command that Moses the servant of the LORD gave you after he said, ‘The LORD your God will give you rest by giving you this land.’ ¹⁴  Your wives, your children and your livestock may stay in the land that Moses gave you east of the Jordan, but all your fighting men, ready for battle, must cross over ahead of your fellow Israelites. You are to help them ¹⁵  until the LORD gives them rest, as he has done for you, and until they too have taken possession of the land the LORD your God is giving them. After that, you may go back and occupy your own land, which Moses the servant of the LORD gave you east of the Jordan toward the sunrise.” ¹⁶  Then they answered Joshua, “Whatever you have commanded us we will do, and wherever you send us we will go. ¹⁷  Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you. Only may the LORD your God be with you as he was with Moses. ¹⁸  Whoever rebels against your word and does not obey it, whatever you may command them, will be put to death. Only be strong and courageous!”   (Joshua 1:11-18).

By the end of these verses, there was a strong relational bond between Joshua as a leader and those who followed. He was ready to lead and they were ready to follow!

All serving leaders can learn three things from the way Joshua connected with the people.

Connect with the influencers of the people. Joshua first addressed the “officers” of the people. These were the primary influencers in the nation and Joshua connected with them directly. He acknowledged their role and did not attempt to do their work. He gave them a message to deliver, knowing that the people under them would receive the message well from them. Serving leaders recognize that while they may not be able to connect personally with everyone in a large organization, they can connect well with those who influence others. As they establish strong relationships with these influencers, they increase their ability to serve the entire group well.

Connect with the interests of the people. “the land the LORD your God is giving you.”  Joshua already knew what the people were interested in, he understood their hearts. They were passionate about entering the land God had promised to them.

Serving leaders learn to know the hearts, passions, and interests of those they lead. They serve them well by pointing out how the next steps take them closer to their goals. They recognize that leadership is not only about helping the leader reach his or her goals, but helping those they serve accomplish the desires of their heart.

Connect with the individuality of the people.  Joshua had special instructions for two of the tribes who were in a unique situation (see verses 12-16). He did not attempt to treat everyone exactly the same way. Serving leaders connect with people by learning their uniqueness. They seek to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each person on their team and they shape their leadership to best serve the individuality of those they lead. Serving leaders serve everyone well but do not serve everyone the same. 

Serving leaders, especially as they begin new roles, make an effort to connect with the people they serve. They learn from Joshua that beginning well always includes strong relationships.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

For further reflection and discussion:

In the next issue, we’ll begin to look at how Jesus modeled the five actions of serving leaders. 

Copyright, Center for Serving Leadership, 2020. 

Leaders influence others by persuasion. They can convince others to follow their vision, to support the cause, and to be a part of the team. Almost always, we try to persuade others with words, often strong or loud words that end with exclamation marks! But sometimes the greatest influence to persuade comes in silence!

Peter instructs wives who have unbelieving husbands, Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your own husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives (1 Peter 3:1-2).

In this situation, the husband does not agree with the beliefs of the wife. The wife’s desire is to persuade the husband of the truth she knows. We might advise her to construct well-developed arguments about the existence of God and the need for salvation, and to present them boldly. But Peter advises her to be silent! The silence, combined with godly behavior, would win the husband “without words.” Servant leaders learn the power of persuasion with silence.

Silent persuasion reveals respect. Peter encourages the wives to submit “without words.” Loud arguments would show disrespect and drive the husband away. But quietly living out her life and not pushing him to agree, shows her respect for him as a person.

Good leaders show respect to others, especially those with whom they disagree. They show respect for the other, sometimes by simply continuing the relationship without constant reminders of the disagreement. They recognize that respect will open the door to influence.

Servant leaders often show respect by their silence. They allow God time and space to work in the lives of the other person. Sometimes that time and space changes their own position! Servant leaders recognize the power of respect to persuade through silence.

Silent persuasion invites a closer look. “They will see the purity and reverence of your lives…” The silence of the wife would allow the husband to see! Silence invites the husband to turn his head and see what his wife is doing, thinking or expressing without words. Words encourage people to look at our mouth or to look away; silence encourages them to turn and look more closely.

Leaders model the way before they proclaim the way. They allow their lives to encourage followers to take a closer look. Servant leaders influence through silence as they encourage a closer look.

Silent persuasion transforms hearts. The silence of the wife, coupled with consistently good behavior, could “win over” the heart of the husband. The husband expects confrontation and arguments from her. If she argues, he will respond in the same way and likely win the battle! But instead. he finds only silent “purity and reverence.” The silence is unexpected and has tremendous power. In the end, the power of silence breaks his resistance and he accepts the position of his wife.

Servant leaders learn, especially when there is disagreement, that silence has power to persuade. Servant leaders acknowledge that while God can use their words to bring change, He can likewise use their silence to transform the heart of another. Servant leaders sometimes influence through silence and they see God transform hearts.

Certainly, there are many situations in which leaders are called to share their opinions and have healthy, genuine debate on an issue. But there are also times when leaders would do well to take the advice of Peter and lead with silence. Servant leaders cry out to God for the wisdom to know when they should persuade with words, and when silence is the right approach.

Servant leaders learn that silent leadership speaks loudly in persuasion! They move up by shutting up!

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

For further reflection and discussion:

• How do I show respect to those who disagree with me? Is my respect ever expressed in silence? Are there times when my silence would be disrespectful?
• Does my life encourage people to lean in and look more closely, or to move away from my arguments? What is the result in my leadership?
• Am I in a difficult relationship now which has strong disagreements? If I practice silence, would it allow God to change the heart of the other person? What might silence also do to my own heart?
• In what way do the principles of this passage to wives with unbelieving husbands apply to all relationships? In what ways might these verses not apply to others? How can we know when to be silent and when it is right to speak?
• Is there a way that silence can become a weapon to fight instead of a tool to influence? Or is there a difference between refusing to talk and choosing to be silent?

Copyright, Global Disciples 2020.

In the next issue, we’ll examine the sound of silent leadership…in self-defense.

Rehoboam chose to listen and he did well. He chose the group to whom he would listen and chose wrongly. The choices he made led to an outcome for which he had no choice!

When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse’s son? To your tents, Israel! Look after your own house, David!” So all the Israelites went home. But as for the Israelites who were living in the towns of Judah, Rehoboam still ruled over them. King Rehoboam sent out Adoniram, who was in charge of forced labor, but the Israelites stoned him to death. King Rehoboam, however, managed to get into his chariot and escape to Jerusalem. So Israel has been in rebellion against the house of David to this day (2 Chronicles 10:1-19).

Rehoboam’s choices brought loss to him as a leader. No leader would deliberately choose to lose. But leaders who choose to not listen are ultimately choosing to lose. Leaders choose to lose when they fail to listen. Servant leaders learn to listen well as they observe what Rehoboam lost.

Leaders lose influence when they don’t listen.

Rehoboam’s influence dissolved immediately as thousands of people “went home.” Yes, he was still on the throne, but he lost his ability to influence which is the essence of true leadership. The people talked of David’s house (Rehoboam’s blood line) as something they no longer had a part in. Rehoboam was still the king, but he was no longer their leader!

Servant leaders recognize that leadership is influence. If they lose the ability to influence others, their leadership is finished. Servant leaders listen well so they can continue to influence well.

Leaders lose authority when they don’t listen.

People turned away from Rehoboam’s leadership when they saw he wasn’t listening. Like many leaders who sense they are losing power, he tried to prove that he still had authority by sending Adoniram to force people to work. In the process he lost Adoniram and had to run for his own life! It was a visible demonstration of the authority he lost. Tough leaders, even dictators, can rule with power for some time. But when the people they are leading have enough, the people will become unmanageable.

Servant leaders don’t seek authority, but they earn it as they listen well.

Leaders lose people when they don’t listen.

Rehoboam’s refusal to listen caused him to lose most of the nation. He lost leaders, he lost priests, he lost farmers, he lost mothers and fathers. He lost people who could have been a part of his call to build the nation. But more than having the size of his kingdom significantly reduced, he lost all the potential good that could have come from a united kingdom.

God’s purposes for the nation were greatly hindered by Rehoboam’s actions. The nation would never recover. Never again would there be the worship that characterized David’s reign or the splendor of Solomon’s. The kings of the world would no longer come to learn from God’s people. That’s a high price to pay for refusing to listen!

Servant leaders seek to leverage maximum impact for the Kingdom of God with the largest number of people they can influence. They know that as they lead, they will lose some followers. But servant leaders listen well so they don’t lose any that should be on their team.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

For further reflection and discussion:

• In my leadership journey, was there a time that I did not listen well? What did I lose? What have I learned from that and what am I currently doing differently?
• As a leader, who have I lost along the way? Did their leaving have anything to do with me failing to listen? What might I have done differently?
• Are there people currently following me as a leader, but they have lost some confidence in my leadership because I have not listened well? What can I do to correct that?

Copyright, Global Disciples 2019.

If I asked you, “Do leaders talk, or listen?” what would be your most likely response? We usually focus more on what leaders say than on how they listen. But the short story of Rehoboam’s early leadership, found in 2 Chronicles 10, has many insights for servant leaders on the art of listening. Rehoboam is an example of a leader who tried to listen but failed miserably. Let’s learn from him!

Rehoboam was Solomon’s son and took over the kingdom of Israel after his father’s death. Early in his reign, a group led by Jeroboam*, a former high ranking official under Solomon and a rival leader, came with representatives of ten tribes to ask what kind of leader Rehoboam would be. They said, “Your father put a heavy yoke on us, but now lighten the harsh labor and the heavy yoke he put on us, and we will serve you” (2 Chronicles 10:4).

What a leadership opportunity for Rehoboam! He asked for three days to think about it and consulted two groups of advisors, some young and some older. After three days Rehoboam met again with group. The king answered them harshly. Rejecting the advice of the elders, he followed the advice of the young men and said, “My father made your yoke heavy; I will make it even heavier. My father scourged you with whips; I will scourge you with scorpions.” So the king did not listen to the people…When all Israel saw that the king refused to listen to them, they answered the king: “What share do we have in David, what part in Jesse’s son? To your tents, Israel! Look after your own house, David!” So all the Israelites went home (2 Chronicles 10:13-16).

Because Rehoboam chose not to listen, the kingdom was divided! Servant leaders learn from Rehoboam that good leaders choose to listen.

Servant leaders learn that listening has more influence than position.  

Rehoboam had the position of ultimate power. He thought that as the king he could say whatever he wanted done, and people would follow. He learned the hard way that the willingness of followers to serve is not unlimited. They turned away from him in rebellion. Leaders who refuse to listen will eventually lose their position! It may not always happen as quickly and dramatically as it did with Rehoboam, but servant leaders learn to listen well!

Servant leaders learn that listening takes time.

Rehoboam took three days to decide what to do. When he heard the request from the people he wisely asked for time, asked for counsel, and heard from people on opposing sides. In this, he did well and demonstrates that listening takes time. It would have taken less time for Rehoboam to give his reply immediately as many leaders do! It is much easier for leaders to jump into action before stopping to listen. Servant leaders choose to take the necessary time to listen well.

Servant leaders learn that listening takes effort.

We can’t know all that happened in those three days, but Rehoboam tried hard to make a good decision. He listened to different opinions. Some advised him to treat the people gently and others harshly. He must have pondered what to do as he ate in the evening and while he went to sleep. Listening took effort on his part. In the end, he took the easy path that appealed to his own flesh and required less from him. Even though he listened to the wrong group, servant leaders learn from Rehoboam that listening well takes effort.  

All leaders have a choice; they can listen or try to lead without listening. Servant leaders choose to listen.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

For further reflection and discussion:

• As a follower, what experiences have I had with leaders who listened well or who did not listen well? How did their listening, or lack of listening, impact my willingness to follow them? What does that teach me now as a leader?
• Do the people who follow me believe that I listen to them? If I am not sure, do I have the courage to ask them for an honest response? How does that impact my leadership?
• What current leadership challenge is giving me an opportunity to listen well? Have I taken the time needed to listen to all sides? Have I made the effort to listen well? What more should I do after learning from Rehoboam?             

*Jeroboam had been a leader in Solomon’s court, in charge of the whole labor force. A prophet told him that he would be king over ten tribes, so he rebelled. Solomon tried to kill him, and he fled to Egypt. (Read the story in 1 Kings 11:26-40.) He returns after the death of Solomon and speaks with Rehoboam in the story we are considering.

⁵ Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. ⁶ “If you are the Son of God,” he said, “throw yourself down. For it is written: “‘He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.’” ⁷ Jesus answered him, “It is also written: ‘Do not put the Lord your God to the test.’” (Matthew 4:5-7)

This temptation came at the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. He had a mission but He was still unknown. He did not yet have followers. The temptation was to do something dramatic that would promote himself and create an immediate following.

All leaders are promoters; they call people to join a mission and that requires sharing the vision and influencing others to follow. Leaders need charisma^*—the ability to attract or influence followers. Jesus’ temptation, and ours, is to use leadership charisma to promote the wrong things.

The temptation to use leadership charisma to promote self. The enemy whispers to Jesus, “If you are the Son of God…throw yourself down.” What is he saying to Jesus? “Are you really who you say you are? Prove it! Produce a miracle, then others will follow you.” The temptation for Jesus was to use His leadership to promote Himself.

All leaders are tempted to do whatever they can to make themselves look good. Some use God-given supernatural powers. Others use their physical abilities to build their own kingdom. Some use their power of persuasion to get people to follow them. They gain influence by making themselves look good. But servant leaders use their leadership charisma to make others look good! They promote the vision God has given them instead of drawing attention to themselves.

The temptation to use leadership charisma to promote action. The temptation of the enemy was to “throw yourself down.” Behind this was the unstated challenge, “If you’re a leader, do something! Make something happen and people will follow you. People follow results. Show them what you can do!” If Jesus would have jumped off the top of the temple and landed safely on the ground, people would have gladly followed Him as a man of action, a powerful leader! Jesus knew that leadership involves action but the action must be focused on the mission. A jump would promote action but would not result in any benefit for God’s Kingdom.

Leaders act and their actions influence others to follow. They take risks for the cause they are promoting whether that is to advance their business, develop their staff, or build their church. But all leaders are tempted to promote action that builds their own image instead of advancing the cause. They become addicted to action and cannot stop and rest. Action becomes their god. Servant leaders refuse to worship activity; they focus on the mission and act only to move towards the goal.

The temptation to use leadership charisma to promote partial truth. The enemy quoted Scripture and this is the only time his words were true! But Jesus reminded him that “It is also written….” Jesus recognized that partial truth is a lie.

Leaders are tempted to reveal only the part of the truth that makes them look good or that will appeal to the listeners. They build influence by speaking only what will attract followers. Servant leaders refuse to use their charisma to deceive followers. They promote the whole truth no matter what the results.

Jesus didn’t jump! He would use His leadership charisma to promote the right things and He calls all servant leaders to follow His example.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

^*Charisma is the ability to attract the attention and admiration of others, often a trait of personality. Leaders with charisma influence people to follow them.

For further reflection and discussion:

• In what ways am I tempted as a leader to use my charisma to promote myself? Are there any actions I have taken in the past week that were simply to impress others with my leadership?
• How am I tempted to show people what I can accomplish so they will follow me? Are there any ways that I am addicted to action and cannot be satisfied with rest?
• What part of truth am I tempted to not say to my followers? What is my fear and what does it say about the condition of my heart?
• What things should I be promoting with all the charisma I possess? How can I do this more like Jesus?

Copyright, Global Disciples 2018

Leadership is all about influencing others. But there are different ways that influence is used by leaders. David and Absalom both had influence; people followed them. However, the way they gained and used influence shows the contrast between servant leaders and subversive* leaders.

David won the hearts of people; Absalom stole their hearts.

The record states about David,

He won over the hearts of the men of Judah so that they were all of one mind (2 Samuel 19:14). But Absalom used another approach. 4 And Absalom would add, “If only I were appointed judge in the land! Then everyone who has a complaint or case could come to me and I would see that they receive justice.” 5 Also, whenever anyone approached him to bow down before him, Absalom would reach out his hand, take hold of him and kiss him. 6 Absalom behaved in this way toward all the Israelites who came to the king asking for justice, and so he stole the hearts of the people of Israel (2 Samuel 15:4-6).

David earned his influence. He fought the lion and the bear and then defeated Goliath. He led military campaigns and accomplished significant victories for the nation. He built his influence on deep, committed relationships. (See one example in 2 Samuel 23:15-16.) As he did so, he won the privilege of influencing their hearts. The hearts of the people rightly belonged to David who had achieved much for the nation.

Absalom did nothing to earn influence, he “stole the hearts of the people.” He said, “If only I were appointed…” making promises about what he would do if he were the leader. Absalom was secretive and some who followed him were not even aware of his intentions to take the throne from David (see 2 Samuel 15:1). Absalom’s efforts to gain influence were based only on his desire to lead.

Subversive leaders make promises to gain influence; servant leaders allow their performance to increase influence. Servant leaders win the hearts of their followers; subversive leaders steal their hearts.

David based influence on character; Absalom based influence on charisma.**

David spent his energy seeking to be the right person; Absalom spent his energy trying to gain a position. Those who followed David learned to respect his heart and character. His followers saw him refuse to kill King Saul even when presented with the opportunity. They watched him show kindness to Mephibosheth when there was nothing politically to be gained from that act. He based his actions on what was right, not on what would increase his power. With each demonstration of character, his influence increased.

In contrast, Absalom’s character was revealed when he killed his own brother, set Joab’s fields on fire, and plotted a rebellion against his father. He used words of flattery and deceit to win people to his side. Absalom relied on his appearance and natural charisma to gain influence. In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance as Absalom. From the top of his head to the sole of his foot there was no blemish in him (2 Samuel 14:25).

David was concerned about what God thought of him; Absalom was concerned about what others thought about him. Servant leaders base their influence on character; subversive leaders base their influence on charisma.

David’s influence was permanent; Absalom’s influence was passing.

In the short-term, the leadership tactics of Absalom appeared to be succeeding. He gained a following of over 200 people even before he declared himself king. As long as he appeared to be heading towards power, people followed. But his influence ended as soon as his rebellion failed. When Ahithophel saw that the rebellion would fail, he committed suicide (2 Samuel 17:23). During the final battle, Absalom’s troops left him hanging from a tree as they fled for their own lives and he died alone (2 Samuel 18:9-15). His death demonstrates that stolen hearts will never belong to a leader forever.

In contrast, those who followed David nearly all stayed with him even in his darkest moments when he was fleeing from Jerusalem. Their relationship with him was not based on his position but on loyalty. His influence was permanent; Absalom’s was temporary.

Leaders who steal the hearts of people and base their influence on charisma may see short-term success but will never last. Servant leaders build influence that is permanent; subversive leaders settle for short-term gains.

On what do you base your influence as a leader? Take a moment to reflect on the questions below and follow David’s example of genuine influence.

*Subversive means to seek to undermine or destroy an established system. A leader who is subversive intends to overthrow the established authority to take power for themselves.

**Charisma is natural attractiveness or charm that causes others to move towards a person. Some persons naturally have more charisma than others. This is not bad as long as it is not used as the basis for influence.

For further reflection and discussion:

• How did I gain influence over those who follow me? Is my influence with them based on what I have done for them or what I have promised them?
• In what ways am I tempted to influence through charisma more than character? Have I recently made any leadership decisions that scarified character to get ahead? Have I done anything in the past week to demonstrate that my leadership is based on character instead of charisma?
• Do people follow me only when I’m succeeding? If so, what does this say about my leadership? What needs to change? How can I know that I make a genuine influence on people that will last beyond my leadership successes?

Moses’ first two questions were about identity: his own identity, and God’s identity. His next question was about leadership. “What if they do not believe me or listen to me and say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you’?” (Exodus 4:1). Moses wanted to know if others would follow. How will the people respond when he tried to lead? Will others follow? These are questions of influence, the core of leadership. Every leader will face the question of influence and until they find an answer it is difficult to lead with confidence. God’s response to Moses gives servant leaders insight into several things they can do to grow in influence.

Influence begins with resourcefulness.

God asks Moses, “What is that in your hand?” (Exodus 4:2). Moses responded that all he had was a staff. Like many people, Moses did not recognize what was in his hand. He saw the staff as insignificant and useless for his call to leadership. It was the tool of a shepherd. It seemed like a very common, ordinary piece of wood. But it represented who Moses was and it was what he had in his hand. He did not yet recognize that God specializes in taking what is in our hand, putting it in His hands and then using it powerfully. Leaders seek to influence by using resources to meet needs. Some search for resources outside themselves. But servant leaders first look at what they have, not at what they do not have. This perspective allows them to see their own potential and to see the potential in those they lead. As leaders identify resources, their influence grows.

Influence grows with results.

After God opened Moses’ eyes to see what he had in his hand he tells Moses, “Throw it on the ground” (Exodus 4:3). When Moses took this step the staff became a snake! Why didn’t God simply change the staff into a snake without help from Moses? He wanted Moses to do something! God chooses to work through people to produce results. He calls leaders to act. Many people sit around waiting for something to happen or for someone else to act. Servant leaders see a need and do something about it. The action may seem small or insignificant but any action builds influence. Influence grows when we do something and others begin to see results. Servant leaders don’t rush into action, but they are willing to take any needed step to see a problem resolved. Moses could not have imagined at this point what God would use his staff to accomplish. But he was beginning to understand that God wanted him to do something and results would follow. God takes what is in our hand and asks us to act. Results follow.

Influence increases with repetition.

God was not done with His lesson for Moses. More instructions followed. First, he was to pick up the snake, not an easy assignment! Then God told him to put his hand inside his cloak and back out again. Each time Moses used his hands God performed a miracle. Then God says, “If they do not believe you or pay attention to the first miraculous sign, they may believe the second. But if they do not believe these two signs or listen to you, take some water from the Nile and pour it on the dry ground. The water you take from the river will become blood on the ground” (Exodus 4:8-9). What point is God making? Don’t stop with your first attempt to influence! It may take three times, or thirty, but keep going! Servant leaders aren’t seeking influence for the sake of power, but they are willing to keep going until God’s hand is seen in theirs.

All leaders ask themselves questions of influence. Will people follow? What will it take for others to listen? God tells servant leaders through Moses, “Take what is in your hand, do what I tell you to do and I’ll take care of your influence.”

For further reflection and discussion:

• What is in my hand? What experiences, skills, training, life lessons, etc. has God allowed me to have in my hand? In what ways might He use these in my leadership? Have I been faithful to use all that He has entrusted to me? If I am an emerging leader, who can help me see what God has put in my hand?
• Is there a need I currently see that I am waiting for someone else to address? How might God be calling me to act? Pray to discern what action you can take to begin to address the challenge.
• Does fear of failure keep me from acting? Is it better for me to not move at all or to move in the wrong direction? Why?
• Have I been persistent when I have not seen immediate results? What keeps me from trying again and again?

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?

This Christmas we are looking at Mary and Joseph, both great servant leaders and together one of the most influential couples in history. In this issue we’ll turn our attention to Mary, the better known of the two and the one often mentioned first. In Luke 1:26-56 the story of her encounter with the angel and her visit to Elizabeth is recorded. Let’s observe what she did as a servant leader that gave her such great influence.

Mary humbled herself.

Perhaps the clearest example of Mary’s humility is her response to the angel’s announcement, “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.” Then the angel left her (Luke 1:38). After her questions, Mary’s response shows that she humbly surrendered to God’s direction for her life. Servant leaders recognize that before they are called to serve others they see themselves as the “Lord’s servant.” Then they humbly walk in obedience to His instruction.

Mary honored God.

Many people honor Mary but scripture makes it clear that she honored God above herself. “From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me– holy is his name” (Luke 1:48-49). Mary recognized that she would be remembered by “all generations,” which has indeed happened. Mary saw her destiny as great, but glorified God. Like Joseph, she is not looking for fame or monuments in her name; she turns all honor back to God. She continues with verse after verse praising God for what He has done. She, and all servant leaders who follow, turn the blessing of influence into opportunities to praise God. Servant leaders recognize that leadership is not about themselves; it is all for God’s glory.

Mary helped others.

Right after hearing from the angel Mary ran to see her relative Elizabeth. Both Mary and Elizabeth were chosen by God to fulfill a special part of the Christmas story and their experience of coming together still inspires all of us today. Certainly, for Mary, it was a precious gift to be with Elizabeth for the first months of her pregnancy. But Mary’s visit also helped Elizabeth to be a better person. “When Elizabeth heard Mary’s greeting, the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit” (Luke 1:41). Mary didn’t come to Elizabeth to build herself up or elevate her child over Elizabeth’s. Rather, being who she was and sharing her own journey of obedience to God’s call impacted the life of Elizabeth in a profound way. Mary’s song of praise to God shaped the life of Elizabeth and countless others who read it later. That’s what servant leaders do; they help others by lifting their spirits. Sometimes this is a deliberate process of using encouraging words, speaking affirmation and life into those we lead. At other times we help others simply by living our lives in humble obedience as Mary did. This inspires and helps others on their own journeys. Who around you this Christmas needs your help? Follow Mary’s lead and reach out to someone. Share your story or sing your song as you extend your hand to the person God will allow you to touch for His purposes.

Individually Joseph and Mary led as servants. But together, as a couple, they walked in humble obedience and influenced not only their own generation, but the entire world. A couple multiplies the impact! This Christmas season, the world can use a couple more servant leaders. If married, will you join together with your spouse to ask God to make you doubly influential as a couple for His glory in the coming year?

For further reflection and discussion:

• Read the entire account of Mary’s story in Luke 1:26-56. What do you observe from her life that can teach you as a leader? What was the secret of her lasting influence?
• Can your leadership be characterized as humble? Why or why not? What actions in the past week reflect your humility? Are there actions God is inviting you to make to humble yourself as a leader?
• In what way does God use your influence? What might be His purpose for your influence? How can you more effectively use your influence to honor God?
• Is your leadership primarily to help yourself achieve your goals or is it to help others? What action demonstrates this reality? Are there ways this season God wants to use your influence to help others?
• If married, in what ways does your relationship together multiply your influence? Are there changes you need to make to increase this influence? Talk about it and pray together, a great way to begin a new year!

It was time for a promotion! The king was so impressed by Daniel’s ability to interpret his dream that he placed Daniel in a high position and lavished many gifts on him. He made him ruler over the entire province of Babylon and placed him in charge of all its wise men (Daniel 2:48). What a great reward! For many leaders, the story would end with this as they enjoy the fruit of their leadership. But Daniel was not an ordinary leader, and the story continues: Moreover, at Daniel's request the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego administrators over the province of Babylon, while Daniel himself remained at the royal court (Daniel 2:49). Daniel’s action reveals that servant leaders don’t just take a journey; they bring others with them on the journey! He was not satisfied to travel alone or to take all the credit for what God had done. So, at Daniel’s request the king appointed his three friends to administrative positions. Daniel brought his friends along on the journey because he saw four things.

Daniel saw position as opportunity to influence.

Daniel didn’t take a lot of time enjoying the gifts of the king. Rather, he recognized that his promotion was simply another opportunity to be a blessing to more people, first to his teammates and then to the nation. His first request of the king was the promotion of his three friends. Servant leaders continually recognize that God places them in positions of influence to advance God’s purposes in the world. Whether the servant leader owns a business, serves as church leader, or leads a family, classroom or school, the leader sees the position as an opportunity for influence.

Daniel saw his victory as a team victory.

Daniel was clearly the leader but he was not alone. He had a team. His victory was a team victory. His name was on the book but Daniel was not alone. Before the dream was revealed, Daniel asked his three friends to join him in fervent prayer and God answered their prayers. Daniel alone went to interpret the dream, but he remembered that others also played a part in the success, and he would not leave the rest behind when he was promoted. Servant leaders freely acknowledge the role others play in their success and see every victory as a team victory.

Daniel saw the gifts of others.

Daniel was gifted and in many ways ahead of everyone else. He clearly had the gift of interpreting dreams. Still, he recognized that others also had gifts. He asked for an opportunity for his teammates to lead because he saw past his own gift to see theirs. They had also been trained in the same program as Daniel and were apparently gifted in administration. Many leaders focus on their own giftedness. It is obviously good to develop one’s own gifts, but the best leaders seek to recognize and affirm the gifts of others. Servant leaders focus on others, and Daniel challenges each of us to look around us and see the giftedness of those on our team.

Daniel saw that power was to be shared.

Some leaders grasp power for themselves and fight others to get as much power as they can. They see power as a limited resource and want to get as much as possible. Daniel, as a servant leader, saw power as something to be shared and knew that sharing power would not diminish his own worth. He would remain “at the royal court” as the second in command. Servant leaders lend a helping hand to developing leaders. They pull others higher by sharing power. In doing so, the servant leader does not reduce his influence; rather it increases. Servant leaders recognize that power shared is power multiplied.

Follow Daniel’s example and find others to bring with you on your journey!

For further reflection and discussion:

• Think about your current position. In what way has God provided opportunities for you to influence from this position?
• Who assisted you in reaching your current leadership role? Have you expressed your appreciation to them and acknowledged the role they played in your development?
• Reflect on a recent victory in your leadership journey. Who else played a role in your success? What have you done to acknowledge their contribution?
• Think about others on your team. What gifts does each one possess? In what ways have you encouraged the development of these gifts?
• In what practical ways can you share your power with others this week? What will happen in your leadership as you empower others?