#389, January 8, 2025

Leaders call others to follow, but leaders also follow! Paul was an amazing leader in so many ways. He was an apostle, a pioneer in the early church, a church planter, an author, and a developer of other leaders. Yet consider his call to the believers in Corinth:

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ (1 Corinthians 11:1, NIV).

Paul packs a lot of leadership principles in this short sentence! He calls the Corinthians to follow his example, a basic leadership action. But he calls them to follow “as I follow…Christ”. Paul was a leader and a follower. Paul was stating a reality that many leaders overlook, leaders also follow. In this exhortation Paul acknowledged that he was first a follower, then a leader. Because he followed, he called others to follow.  In this series, we’ll look at four categories of people that good leaders follow. In this issue, we’ll examine how serving leaders follow those in authority over them. 

All legitimate leaders are under some authority. All leaders are subject to the laws imposed by their governments. Many leaders have a direct boss or supervisor. Other leaders have a board or governing body that provides directions. Church leaders have overseers, bishops or others to which they are accountable. In democratic nations, presidents are accountable to the citizens who elect them. Business owners are accountable to their customers, employees, investors and the laws under which they operate.

How do serving leaders follow those who are in authority over them?

Serving leaders follow those over them by respecting their authority.  

Paul clearly recognized the authority Christ had over him. His following was a willing acknowledgment that Christ had the authority to tell him what to do. He did not resist that authority; instead, he showed respect and followed willingly.  

Some leaders drag their feet or become annoyed at any suggestion from authority. They might show outward agreement with the authority but quietly let everyone around know that they do not like what is happening. They don’t fully respect the right of the boss or the board to tell them what to do.

But serving leaders acknowledge and respect those over them. They talk respectfully about those over them. Even when they disagree with a direction or decision, they voice their view respectfully and respect the right of their authority to make a final decision.

Serving leaders follow those over them by supporting their priorities.      

Paul said that he followed “the example” of Christ. He understood the priorities of Christ and he sought to live those out in his daily practice.

Some leaders don’t even care about the priorities of those over them. They simply pursue their own dream. Others pay lip service to the priorities of those above them but don’t act on them in their daily leadership. But serving leaders seek to understand and implement the priorities of those over them.

Serving leaders follow those over them by seeking their success.

Paul didn’t measure his success by what he wanted. Instead, he was focused on carrying out the mission that was given to him by Jesus. Before he encountered Jesus, he was focused on his own goals; now, he simply wanted to see the mission of Jesus succeed.

Some leaders focus their leadership energy on their own success. They make decisions based on how they will benefit and how that action will make their dream happen. But serving leaders seek the success of those in authority over them. Ultimately, they lead to hear the words, “Well done, good and faithful servant” (see Mt. 25:23).   

Serving leaders see those who are in authority over them as a blessing and gladly follow!

For further reflection and discussion:

• What is my heart attitude towards those in authority over me? How do I reflect this in my leadership? What is the impact of my attitude on those who follow me?    
• How clearly do I understand the priorities of those in authority over me? What have I done to clarify my understanding of these priorities? Are my leadership actions aligned with those priorities or do I quietly implement what I believe is most important?  
• Do I measure success by my own metrics or by the goals of those in authority over me? How does this impact the way those under me measure success?       

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

In the next issue, we’ll look at how leaders follow those ahead of them.  

There’s not a specific verse in scripture that talks about the humility of Barnabas, but there is plenty of evidence that he served with  deep humility. First, while he was a prominent figure in the life of the church, when the people chose the first deacons, his name was not included (see Acts 6:1-6). This might have been a great disappointment to him, but nowhere is there any evidence that he resented this lack of recognition. An even stronger indication of his humility comes in his relationship with Saul (later called Paul) and how they are noted by the historian Luke who wrote the book of Acts. Early in the story the name of Barnabas is always mentioned first. He was a leader before Paul was even converted so naturally his name was prominent. At the church in Antioch, the name of Barnabas was listed first (Acts 13:1). As they set out on the first missionary journey they went as “Barnabas and Saul” (see Acts 13:6). Barnabas was in the forefront. But very soon this changes.

Paul became the key leader on the team, even in Cyprus, the home of Barnabas. By the time they left Cyprus Luke speaks of “Paul and his companions” (Acts 13:13) and after Mark left it was “Paul and Barnabas” (Acts 13:42). From this point forward their names were nearly always listed in this order. (See exceptions in Acts 14:14 and 15:2, 25). After the disagreement Barnabas had with Paul in Acts 15 (which we will examine in our next issue) Barnabas made a missionary trip that Luke did not even include in his history of the church and the name of Barnabas is not mentioned again. Only a humble leader can continue serving after losing recognition. His humility did not make him a weak leader but a serving leader who focused on others rather than himself. Barnabas shows all leaders how to serve with humility.

Humility serves by spotlighting the gifts of others

Barnabas recognized Paul’s gifting early in their relationship and continually pulled Paul into places where he would use those gifts. He brought Paul to the church leaders in Jerusalem and later called Paul to join him at Antioch. Barnabas was a gifted leader, but he humbly shone a light on the gifts of Paul until they were recognized by all.

Some leaders want the focus of attention to be on their own gifts and feel threatened by the gifts of others around them. But serving leaders are not threatened by the gifts of others. They do not downplay their own gifts but call attention to the gifts of others. They humbly affirm and acknowledge that others are gifted in ways that they are not and seek ways to let others know about those gifts.

Humility serves by strengthening the gifts of others.  

Barnabas not only highlighted the gifts of Paul, but he also worked hard to compliment those gifts with his own. He walked alongside of Paul and brought his gifts to bear to their teamwork. He traveled, preached, and led with Paul. Paul, even when he took the lead, needed the gifts of Barnabas.  

Some leaders look for others to strengthen their own gifts. Serving leaders look for ways to strengthen the gifts of others.

Humility serves by submitting to the gifts of others.

Barnabas faded from the records as he allowed Paul to rise up as a leader. He submitted his gifts to the greater good and the mission of the team. Some leaders resist yielding their gifts to a larger purpose. But serving leaders submit their gifts to team goals. When, like Barnabas, that means disappearing from the scene, they accept that with humility. If they are by gifting a “Paul”, they find ways to affirm the gifting of the “Barnabas” on the team which they acknowledge they also need to succeed.

For further reflection and discussion:

• How does the humility of Barnabas challenge me as a leader? What action can I take this week to be more like him?
• In what ways can I spotlight the gifts of others today instead of my own?
• In what ways do my gifts strengthen the gifts of others? How can I appropriately acknowledge the role of my own gifts while serving others?
• Do I consciously submit my own gifts to the mission of the team, or do I see my gifts as more important than the mission? How does this impact my leadership?
• If I am more of a “Paul” by gifting, what can I do to affirm the role of the “Barnabas” on my team today?   

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler In the next issue, we’ll examine how Barnabas served with failure!

When you pray, how much of it is you talking? Most often we think of prayer as talking, one-way communication with God. This is certainly a part of prayer and should be greatly increased!

But for this issue, we want to reflect on what it means pray following the instructions given in Ecclesiastes 5:2, “Do not be quick with your mouth, do not be hasty in your heart to utter anything before God. God is in heaven and you are on earth, so let your words be few.” The writer of these words encourages all of us to practice restraint in our prayers to God.

“Let your words be few!” This is especially relevant to leaders who spend much of their time communicating with words. They talk clearly, boldly and often, as they share their vision and dreams with others. It is quite natural for a leader to come to God in the same way, with many words! The challenge for servant leaders is to learn to lead silently in prayer, with few words. As they do, they learn the power of silence in prayer.   

Silence in prayer exhibits submission. “Do not be quick with your mouth…” The person who talks usually controls the conversation. That’s why it is so hard to be quiet! The person who is quickest to speak often controls the situation. Leaders especially want to be in control and demonstrate this by talking, often loudly! Leaders are used to showing the way, giving instructions and calling others to action. When it is time for prayer, leaders naturally seek to influence God as they do others—with many words! But silence says, “I am not in control, I am not the boss!”

Being silent shows an attitude of submission. Ironically, submission takes tremendous courage. It demonstrates trust in God instead of trust in self. Servant leaders demonstrate submission in prayer by being silent before God.

Silence in prayer encourages listening. “Let your words be few.” We cannot talk and listen at the same time. When we stop talking, we are able to listen. When we sit in silence, we begin to hear sounds that were there all along, but we didn’t hear them because we were focused on other things. When a leader is silent it is easier to listen. How often do we hear God? Sometimes we do not hear because we do not stop to listen!

Servant leaders learn that God often waits to speak until we are silent! They are willing to discipline themselves to be quiet to hear His voice. Servant leaders learn to listen by being quiet before God.

Silence in prayer expresses worship. “God is in heaven and you are on earth.” When we stop in silence, we begin to recognize who God is and who we are. We see His greatness and His power. This changes our view of ourselves and our leadership roles. The recognition of who God is brings a different perspective and frees us to worship God. We bow in reverent worship. Servant leaders express worship as they silently enter His presence.

Certainly, there are many times where words are appropriate in prayer. Jesus offered “prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears…” (Hebrews 5:7). But most of us do not struggle to talk; we struggle to be quiet! Silence in prayer is not easy, it is difficult. Servant leaders cry out to God for His grace to help them be silent in prayer. They discipline themselves to spend some portion of their time with God in silence.

As servant leaders grow in submission, and learn to listen, they find that silence helps them grow closer to God in worship. And as they grow, they increase their influence with those they lead. Silent leadership speaks loudly in prayer! Servant leaders move up by shutting up!

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

For further reflection and discussion:

• Who controls my conversation in prayer: God or me? How does this impact my relationship with God? How does it impact my leadership?
• Do I hear God’s voice as often as I would like to hear Him? If not, is this a result of Him not speaking or me not listening? What do I need to change?
• We often evaluate our prayer life by how much time we spend talking. But how much time do I spend with God in silence? Is it enough? If not, what do I need to change? What makes it difficult for me be silent in prayer?
• Some people pray “silently” meaning that they don’t speak audible words to God, they just “speak” through their thoughts. What does it mean for this person to be silent in prayer?     

David recognized authority; Absalom refused authority. How did these two leaders see authority?

During the years that David was fleeing in the desert from King Saul, he consistently referred to the king as “God’s anointed.” David recognized that authority is established by God and that Saul was the legitimate king, even when he was not a good leader. David saw authority as legitimate.

In contrast, Absalom told people coming to see David, “There is no representative of the king to hear you” (2 Samuel 15:3-4). He talked as though there was no legitimate ruler in the land. And he spoke these words within walking distance of King David’s palace! Absalom refused to recognize David’s authority as legitimate.

All leaders exercise authority and all leaders are also under authority. Many leaders expect others to recognize their authority but do not respect the authority of those over them. Servant leaders recognize authority; subversive leaders refuse authority.

David submitted to authority; Absalom subverted authority. How did these two leaders respond to authority?

Because David recognized authority came from God, he was able to submit to the authority of Saul even when the king was trying to kill him! Although he knew he was called by God to lead, he steadfastly refused to take matters into his own hands.

One time his men urged him to kill Saul. ⁴ The men said, “This is the day the Lord spoke of when he said to you, ‘I will give your enemy into your hands for you to deal with as you wish.’” Then David crept up unnoticed and cut off a corner of Saul’s robe. ⁵ Afterward, David was conscience-stricken for having cut off a corner of his robe. ⁶ He said to his men, “The Lord forbid that I should do such a thing to my master, the Lord’s anointed, or lay my hand on him; for he is the anointed of the Lord.” ⁷ With these words David sharply rebuked his men and did not allow them to attack Saul. And Saul left the cave and went his way (1 Samuel 24:4-7).

Absalom responded very differently. Not only did he refuse to submit to the authority of King David, he actively rebelled against the king. David submitted even to a bad leader; Absalom refused to submit to a good leader.

Many leaders think that if the person over them would be a good leader, they would have no trouble submitting. But servant leaders learn from David and Absalom that the attitude of a leader towards authority is not determined by the one in authority. Every leader chooses how much they will respect and honor the leaders above them. Servant leaders submit to authority; subversive leaders undermine authority.

David inspired loyalty; Absalom incited rebellion. How did these two leaders influence those under them to see and respond to authority?

David’s view of authority inspired loyalty from those who followed him. They did not attack King Saul. Later, they were willing to risk their lives for David and stayed with him even when it was not clear if he would remain in authority.

Absalom’s refusal to recognize and submit to authority seemed to work at the beginning. He was able to quickly gather people around him who were eager to see him become the king. But Absalom’s followers scattered quickly and left him to die alone when the rebellion failed. “They took Absalom, threw him into a big pit in the forest and piled up a large heap of rocks over him. Meanwhile, all the Israelites fled to their homes” (2 Samuel 18:17).

Leading a rebellion is a quick path to leadership since many people have rebellion in their hearts and are attracted to a leader who rebels. As with Absalom, the momentum builds and soon a new leader is recognized. But those who gain influence through rebellion soon find themselves leading rebels! Disrespect only breeds disrespect.

Leaders are influencers and their view of authority will be passed on to others. When servant leaders see rebellion in their followers, they first look closely in the mirror. Servant leaders inspire loyalty to authority; subversive leaders incite rebellion.

Until next time, yours on the journey,

Jon Byler

*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.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Who are the persons in authority over me in my family, community, church, vocation, and nation? Do I recognize them as legitimate leaders or do I refuse to acknowledge them as my leaders? How is this respect, or lack of it, expressed in my words or actions? Is my attitude towards them more like David or Absalom?
• Is there any way in which I gained my position or influence by rejecting authority? In what way has this impacted the way I lead?
• What view of authority do I see in those who follow me? What does this reflect about my own view of authority?
• What steps is God inviting me to take in response to this reflection on the way David and Absalom viewed authority? When will I take these steps and who should I allow to hold me accountable?

Copyright, Global Disciples, 2018.

David continued to carry out his duties under Saul as well as he could. But Saul’s jealously and determination to kill David finally forced David to flee for his life to the desert. Saul’s insecurity was extreme. Not only did he want to kill David and attempted to do so twice, he was angry enough to hurl a spear at his own son Jonathan when he sided with David. Later, the king authorized the brutal killing of 85 priests who had innocently aided David’s escape. I doubt if many reading this have served under leaders with this level of insecurity!

During his time in exile, David needed to learn another difficult lesson for servant leaders: submission to the current leader. David’s submission to the leadership of a man seeking his death is remarkable. Twice David had what seemed like providential opportunities to kill Saul but in both cases he courageously refused.

So David and Abishai went to the army by night, and there was Saul, lying asleep inside the camp with his spear stuck in the ground near his head. Abner and the soldiers were lying around him. Abishai said to David, "Today God has delivered your enemy into your hands. Now let me pin him to the ground with one thrust of my spear; I won't strike him twice." But David said to Abishai, "Don't destroy him! Who can lay a hand on the LORD's anointed and be guiltless? As surely as the LORD lives," he said, "the LORD himself will strike him; either his time will come and he will die, or he will go into battle and perish. But the LORD forbid that I should lay a hand on the LORD's anointed. Now get the spear and water jug that are near his head, and let's go" (1Samuel 26:7-11).

David’s response serves as a model to all servant leaders of how to submit to authority.

Submission relinquishes personal ambition.

David was anointed to become the king, the prophet Samuel had made that clear. Even Jonathan, the king’s son, affirmed this call. David was a proven warrior and was now leading a large group of 600 men (See 1 Samuel 22:13). He had demonstrated his capacity as a warrior and a leader. He could have naturally felt that it was time for him to lead the nation. But submission is not about who is the best person to lead; it is recognizing who is called to lead at the moment and respecting that role. David let go of his own ambition.

Submission respects God’s appointment.

Saul was not worthy of respect in terms of his own leadership ability. But David respected him because God allowed him to be the king. He called the king “the LORD’s anointed,” showing deep respect for God’s appointed authority. David never spoke evil of Saul and refused even to allow his aide to do the killing. He understood well what Paul would say many years later, “The authorities that exist have been established by God” (Romans 13:1). He learned that servants who want to be respected as leaders must first respect those who lead.

Submission recognizes God’s plan.

David was able to submit because he knew that God had a plan for his own leadership journey and that in some way God would finally remove Saul from his role. David didn’t know how or when he would rise to the position of his destiny, but he knew that it was not his work to make this happen, but to wait on God’s timing and plan to unfold.

David’s submission to Saul is likely much deeper than any of us will be called to make. His example challenges each of us to carefully examine our response to those in authority over us. David teaches us that only those who have learned to follow are ready to lead.

For further reflection and discussion:

• Read the first account of David’s opportunity to kill Saul in 1 Samuel 24. What additional insights do you gain from this account?
• How have you related to those who are in authority over you, both in your current role as well as previous leadership experience? Think of those in the political realm, your vocation, your church and community. What lessons can you learn from David’s life? Are there past relationships which God is calling you to correct or restore?
• Your tongue is a reflection of your heart. How do you speak about people in authority over you?

Leadership Nuggets from Ephesians, #5

Servant leaders practice the art of influencing from the bottom rather than dictating from the top. It’s an upside down approach to leadership that goes directly against our flesh and against most of the models we have experienced. Influencing from the bottom is hard to practice in the marketplace or school; it is even harder to implement at home where Paul tells us to do it in Eph. 5:21-33.

Read the entire passage with special focus on the following verses: “Submit to one another out of reverence for Christ. Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord…Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her…(vs. 21, 22, 25) In this passage Paul radically redefines leadership for both men and women and provides valuable insight into how we can influence from below.

Servant leaders influence through submission.

“Submit to one another.” Submit is not a popular word in leadership literature today and Paul obviously didn’t understand how to use politically correct language! However, submission is not a sign of weakness, inferiority, or stupidity. Instead, it is a conscious choice to yield to another. This kind of submission exerts a powerful influence on any relationship in the home or office. The person who yields, not out of weakness but from a quiet strength, gains the high ground of influence. Submission frees leaders from the tyranny of always needing to have things their way and can break the fighting spirit between two strong personalities. The act of yielding to another powerfully affirms the value of the other person because it indicates that he or she is important also. This is especially true when the submission comes from a person with positional authority.

To think about: In what ways today can I demonstrate submission in my leadership?

Servant leaders influence through surrender.

“Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her.” We don’t normally associate surrender with strong leadership, but Christ demonstrated servant leadership by giving Himself up for those who followed Him. This is demonstrated most clearly as He gave up His own life for the sake of those He came to lead. Servant leaders give up their own rights for the good of those they lead whether at home, in the marketplace or in the church. They ‘die’ to selfish desires and surrender their rights for the good of others. While it seems like this would not influence others, consider good advice given to King Rehoboam, “If today you will be a servant to these people and serve them and give them a favorable answer, they will always be your servants.” (1 Kings 12:7) Serving by laying down our rights and privileges exerts a powerful influence on those we lead.

To think about: To what extent do I lead by surrender?

Submission and surrender do not negate the need for decisive, action-oriented leadership. Neither do they imply that we can never press for the implementation of our ideas. Rather, they provide great opportunities for servant leaders to influence from the bottom just like Jesus Himself! Will you take the risk today to learn a new way of leading?

For further reflection and discussion:

• What keeps me from practicing submission and surrender in my leadership? In what ways does my culture or environment encourage or discourage this form of leadership?
• Is there a relationship I am in right now that has much conflict? What might happen if I consciously decide to yield to the other person?
• Do I always need to have things my way? When is the last time I have consciously yielded my desire to another? What was the result in my own heart and how did it impact the relationship?
• Are there times when yielding to another can be the wrong thing to do for a servant leader? If so, what principles guide our decision for that situation?