Rest is Righteous: Why Godly Leaders Must Stop to Lead Well
This article explores the biblical principle of rest as modeled by God in Genesis and practiced by leaders throughout Scripture. It challenges modern leaders to reject the culture of constant hustle and embrace Sabbath as an act of obedience, renewal, and trust in God. Through examples from Moses and Jesus, it illustrates how rest strengthens leadership, fosters clarity, and aligns us with God’s rhythm. Leaders are encouraged to intentionally schedule rest, disconnect from work, and reflect spiritually, allowing rest to become a holy practice that sustains long-term impact.
In a world obsessed with productivity, busyness is worn like a badge of honor. Our calendars are packed, our devices never rest, and our minds rarely stop spinning. We’re constantly in motion—striving, achieving, performing. But leadership, as defined by Scripture, tells a different story. It speaks of sacred rhythms, intentional rest, and the wisdom of stopping.
This week, we turn our attention to a seemingly simple, yet profoundly countercultural idea: rest. Not just any rest, but God-ordained, soul-deep, leadership-forming rest.
The First Leader Who Rested
The idea of Sabbath—the seventh day of rest—is introduced not as a rule, but as a rhythm initiated by God Himself. Genesis 2:2-3 (RSVCE) tells us:
“And on the seventh day God finished his work which he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had done. So God blessed the seventh day and hallowed it, because on it God rested from all his work which he had done in creation.”
Let’s pause here.
God doesn’t need rest the way we do. He doesn’t suffer fatigue. Yet He chooses to rest. Why?
Because He’s setting a precedent. He’s modeling something vital: that rest is not weakness—it’s wisdom. It’s not escape—it’s obedience. And it’s not optional—it’s holy.
If the Creator of the universe modeled rest at the beginning of time, what excuse do we have to ignore it?
Leadership Lessons from the Sabbath
When we study the Sabbath principle through a leadership lens, we uncover three powerful truths:
1. Rest Reminds Us We’re Not God
Leaders often feel the weight of the world on their shoulders. Projects, teams, goals, metrics—so much depends on us. But rest exposes the illusion of control. It reminds us that God is God, and we are not.
Taking a Sabbath requires humility. It’s a weekly act of surrender that says, “I trust You to run the world while I take my hands off the wheel.” It re-centers us on God's sovereignty.
Rest is an act of defiance against our culture’s idolization of hustle. It’s a holy protest declaring that we are not machines—and more importantly, we don’t need to be.
2. Rest Restores What Leadership Depletes
Leadership demands courage, emotional intelligence, clarity, and resilience. But these traits don’t regenerate on their own. Without intentional rest, leaders gradually become depleted, operating on fumes rather than with an overflow.
Jesus modeled this rhythm perfectly. Luke 5:16 says:
“But he withdrew to the wilderness and prayed.”
Even the Son of God needed solitude. Time with the Father. Space to reset. If Jesus prioritized renewal, how much more should we?
Rest isn’t the opposite of productivity—it fuels it. From a refreshed soul comes clear vision, better decisions, healthier relationships, and stronger leadership presence.
3. Rest Reflects Obedience, Not Indulgence
God didn’t just suggest rest—He commanded it. It’s the fourth commandment: “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy” (Exodus 20:8). It’s not an optional practice for those who happen to have time. It’s an expectation for those who lead under God’s authority.
Honoring the Sabbath is about honoring God's order. When we choose rest, we’re not indulging ourselves—we’re aligning ourselves with His design.
Moses and the Trap of Self-Sufficiency
In Exodus 18, Moses found himself overwhelmed. He was personally managing every dispute and problem among the Israelites. His father-in-law, Jethro, stepped in with a stark warning:
“What you are doing is not good. You will surely wear yourself out, both you and these people with you.” (Exodus 18:17–18)
Jethro was saying what many leaders today need to hear: You’re doing too much. And it’s not sustainable.
Moses listened. He restructured. He empowered others. He stepped back so he could last longer.
Effective leadership isn’t about doing everything. It’s about doing what matters most—and empowering others to do the rest. Rest is what enables that shift in mindset.
Jesus and the Redemptive Nature of Rest
Mark 2:27 brings clarity to how Jesus viewed rest:
“The Sabbath was made for man, not man for the Sabbath.”
In other words, the Sabbath isn’t a burdensome rule. It’s a gift.
Jesus often withdrew from the crowds to pray. He took time to sleep in the boat, even during a storm. He accepted His physical limits. Why? Because He understood that rest is part of our divine design.
If you constantly ignore rest, you’re rejecting one of God’s greatest tools for shaping your character, sustaining your calling, and sharpening your leadership.
The Dangers of a Restless Leader
When leaders refuse to rest, it’s rarely without consequences. Here are just a few signs of a soul that’s gone too long without Sabbath:
Reactive decisions instead of proactive leadership
Irritability and impatience with those we lead
Loss of vision and creative stagnation
Emotional detachment from purpose or people
Burnout that masquerades as “just being busy”
Unrested leaders eventually become unavailable leaders to their people, to their families, and often, to God.
You cannot lead others to still waters if your soul is constantly in chaos.
Practicing Sabbath as a Modern Leader
In our culture of notifications and noise, Sabbath rest may feel elusive. But it’s not impossible. Here are three practical ways to practice holy rest:
🔹 1. Schedule It Like a Non-Negotiable Meeting
If it’s not on your calendar, it won’t happen. Block 24 hours—whether Sunday, Saturday, or another day—and make it sacred. Treat it with the same seriousness you would a strategic meeting or board presentation.
This is not selfish. It’s strategic. And more than that—it’s sacred.
🔹 2. Disconnect to Reconnect
Sabbath isn’t about binge-watching and checking out. It’s about checking in with God and tuning in to your soul.
Turn off your phone. Step away from the inbox. Create a space where silence and reflection are possible. Use this time to pray, journal, go for a walk, spend time with your family, or simply be still.
God often whispers. We just can’t hear Him over the noise.
🔹 3. Reflect and Rejoice
God didn’t just rest—He blessed the seventh day. Sabbath is a time to celebrate what God has done. Reflect on the week behind you. Rejoice in His provision. Recalibrate your heart for what’s ahead.
Let rest become a rhythm, not a reward. Don’t earn your Sabbath—embrace it as part of who you are.
Rest as Resistance
In Exodus, God delivered the Israelites from Egypt, where their worth was tied to output. As slaves, they had no rest. But in freedom, God immediately gave them the command to observe the Sabbath.
It was a powerful form of identity reformation: You are not what you produce. You are who I say you are.
In many ways, the Sabbath remains a form of resistance. When we rest, we push back against a world that says our value lies in constant performance. We declare, “I trust in God, not grind.”
That’s not weakness. That’s leadership.
A Leadership Culture of Rest
Imagine organizations led by people who actually rest:
Teams that work hard but also unplug.
Leaders who model boundaries and celebrate rhythms.
Cultures where stillness is not shamed, but sanctified.
These are the kinds of environments where innovation flourishes, burnout declines, and people thrive—not just perform.
As a leader, you set the tone. Your rest invites others into freedom. Your pace becomes permission for your people.
Final Thoughts: From Burnout to Sabbath
Leadership is a long road. The journey is demanding. But the path God calls us to is not burnout—it’s balance. Not hustle—it’s holiness.
The Sabbath wasn’t given to restrict us. It was given to restore us. It’s God’s way of saying, “Let Me carry this for a while. You just be Mine.”
You are not a machine. You are not your metrics. You are a child of God, called to lead with wisdom, faith, and rest.
So this week, let’s reclaim rest. Not as a luxury. Not a weakness. But as righteous obedience.
Ready to put this into practice? Here’s your challenge:
Take a 24-hour Sabbath this week. No work. No striving. Just a sacred pause. Let your soul breathe. Watch what God does when you stop trying to carry it all.
You might just find He’s been carrying you all along.
Ancient truth for modern leaders. May your leadership this week flow from a rested, rooted heart.
The Shepherd Leader: Seeing What Others Miss
This week’s Leadership Scroll article, “The Shepherd Leader: Seeing What Others Miss,” draws from 1 Samuel 16:7 to explore how godly leadership requires discernment beyond appearances. While the world values outward qualifications, God looks at the heart. Using David’s anointing as a case study, the article challenges modern leaders to recognize overlooked potential, develop humble and faithful team members, and lead with spiritual vision instead of superficial metrics. It’s a call to see people the way God sees them—and to lead accordingly.
“But the Lord said to Samuel, ‘Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him; for the Lord sees not as man sees; man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart.’”
— 1 Samuel 16:7 (RSVCE)
Introduction
In today’s fast-paced leadership environments—whether in emergency services, corporate boardrooms, or nonprofit organizations—we’re trained to size people up quickly. Résumés, polished presentations, speaking skills, and charisma often steal the spotlight. We reward visibility, not always value. But in God’s kingdom, leadership is not defined by the externals. It's rooted in something deeper—the heart.
This truth is powerfully illustrated in 1 Samuel 16, when the prophet Samuel is sent to anoint a new king for Israel. The man God chooses—David—is not the oldest, the strongest, or the most outwardly impressive. He’s not even present at the lineup. He’s tending sheep, forgotten by his own family. And yet, he’s the one God has called.
Let’s explore what this moment teaches us about leading well by looking with God’s eyes instead of the world’s.
1. The Danger of Surface-Level Leadership
Samuel arrives at Jesse’s house with a mission from God: anoint the new king of Israel. When he sees Eliab, Jesse’s eldest son, he immediately assumes this must be the one. Why? Because Eliab looked the part. He was likely tall, commanding, and well-spoken—the type of leader Israel had chosen in the past, like Saul.
But God intervenes with a lesson:
“The Lord sees not as man sees.”
How often do we fall into that same trap as leaders? We trust resumes over resilience, appearance over authenticity, and charm over character. We choose people based on what looks promising instead of what lasts under pressure.
God’s standard cuts through the superficial. He’s not impressed by LinkedIn profiles or promotional packages. He’s looking for someone whose heart is aligned with His.
This has profound implications for leadership today.
2. The Qualities God Values in a Leader
If David wasn’t the most obvious choice, what made him the right one?
Though Scripture doesn’t lay out a checklist, we can infer several qualities from David’s life that marked him as a leader after God’s own heart:
Faithfulness in obscurity: David wasn’t in the lineup because he was tending sheep. While his brothers were showcasing themselves, he was doing the quiet, unnoticed work. God saw that.
Courage under fire: David had defended his flock from lions and bears long before Goliath. He didn’t need an audience to act bravely—he did what was right even when no one was watching.
A teachable spirit: Throughout David’s life, he was quick to repent, eager to worship, and hungry for God’s direction—even in failure.
Humility: David knew that his strength came from the Lord. He didn’t posture himself as kingly—he relied on God’s anointing.
In the eyes of the world, these qualities don’t always make headlines. But in God’s economy, they are what build enduring leadership.
3. The Call to Discernment
As leaders, one of our primary tasks is to recognize potential—to anoint and appoint the right people to carry vision forward. But that requires discernment. We must tune our hearts to God’s perspective, asking Him to help us see what He sees.
This means:
Resisting the temptation to be wowed by charisma. Not every talented person is the right person.
Looking for consistency over time. Who shows up, even when it’s not glamorous?
Paying attention to the overlooked. Who’s out in the “field,” faithfully doing their job while others are making noise?
God had to correct Samuel’s instincts—and He may need to correct ours, too.
We need to be leaders who pause before making decisions, who pray before promoting, and who ask God for insight before appointing. Because when we rely solely on human perception, we miss what God is doing in the background.
4. What to Do With the Overlooked “Davids” Around You
Let’s talk about that person on your team who’s not getting noticed.
They may not be the loudest. They may not carry the most certifications. They may not be the most polished. But they are faithful. They are hungry to grow. They are carrying the character God can build on.
That person might be your next great leader.
The tragedy in many organizations is that we fail to cultivate potential simply because it doesn’t come in the package we expect. Someone’s story, status, or even season of life may cause us to disqualify them unconsciously.
But God doesn’t overlook the Davids in our midst. And neither should we.
As a leader, it’s your responsibility to:
Call out the gold in others. Speak life into those who may not see their own potential yet.
Create opportunities for growth. Give that quiet, consistent team member a chance to lead a project or speak in a meeting.
Mentor with intentionality. Take someone under your wing—not just the obvious choice, but the willing one.
5. Anointed But Not Yet Appointed
One of the most powerful truths from David’s story is that he was anointed long before he was appointed.
Even after Samuel poured oil over his head, David went back to tending sheep. He didn’t walk into a palace—he returned to obscurity.
Leadership development is often like that. Someone might be called, but not yet placed. They’re anointed, but not yet in a position of authority. That doesn’t make the call any less real.
If you’re reading this and you feel like David—hidden, overlooked, waiting—know this: God has not forgotten you.
Keep serving. Keep preparing. Keep worshiping. Your time will come.
And if you’re a leader who sees someone in that waiting phase, don’t ignore them. Start investing in them now. Their time is coming too.
6. Leading With God’s Vision in Today’s World
You don’t need to be a prophet to lead with spiritual vision—you just need to ask God to help you see with His eyes.
Imagine what your organization, team, or ministry would look like if you stopped selecting based on appearances and started promoting based on character.
Would your culture become healthier?
Would your retention rates improve?
Would your mission be better fulfilled?
Most likely—yes.
When we stop appointing people for the wrong reasons and start listening to the Lord, we unleash leadership that’s rooted in righteousness, not résumés. We build teams full of servant-leaders, not self-promoters. And we reflect God’s heart in a world obsessed with hype.
Conclusion
David's story reminds us that God's method for choosing leaders starkly contrasts with the world’s. He chooses the overlooked. He values the heart. He honors faithfulness in the field long before fame in the spotlight.
The question for us is: will we lead like Samuel, looking at appearances? Or will we slow down long enough to listen to God, so we can find the Davids hidden in our midst?
Leadership is not about finding the most obvious choice. It’s about having the spiritual sensitivity to see what others miss.
This week, challenge yourself to look deeper. Reassess your assumptions. And most importantly, ask God to give you His eyes. Because when we see with God’s vision, we don’t just build better teams—we build kingdom-aligned legacies that last.
Call to Action:
Who in your life or leadership circle might be a “David” waiting to be seen? Reach out. Encourage them. Start the conversation. You never know what kind of leader you might uncover when you start seeing what others miss.
David and Goliath: Courage in the Face of Giants
This article explores the story of David and Goliath from 1 Samuel 17 as a powerful lesson in faith-based leadership. It highlights how David’s courage wasn’t rooted in strength or status, but in his trust in God. Modern leaders are encouraged to face their own “giants” with authenticity, reject ill-fitting expectations, and act boldly in alignment with their calling. The piece emphasizes that true leadership often arises in moments of crisis and that victory belongs to those who step forward in faith.
Ancient Truth for Modern Leaders
Scripture Focus: 1 Samuel 17 (RSV-CE)
“You come to me with a sword and with a spear and with a javelin; but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…” – 1 Samuel 17:45
Introduction: The Battlefield of Leadership
Every leader eventually finds themselves standing in a valley, facing something that seems impossible. Whether it’s a failing organization, a looming deadline, a toxic team dynamic, or even our own fear, the giants of leadership don’t carry swords—they come armed with doubt, pressure, and uncertainty.
The story of David and Goliath isn’t just a Sunday School tale of the underdog’s victory. It’s a masterclass in bold, faith-driven leadership. And for modern leaders—from CEOs to fire chiefs, paramedics to pastors—David’s example is a powerful reminder that courage isn’t about our capability. It’s about our conviction. David's courage in the face of a seemingly invincible foe should inspire and empower us all.
Setting the Scene: A Leader Emerges
In 1 Samuel 17, Israel is frozen in fear. For forty days, Goliath—a Philistine warrior over nine feet tall—taunts the armies of the living God. Israel's seasoned soldiers, including King Saul himself, are paralyzed. No one steps forward.
Enter David: a young shepherd, the youngest of eight sons, too small to be considered a soldier. He wasn’t trained for war. He wasn’t expected to lead. But leadership is less about title and more about response. And David responded with faith.
When David hears Goliath’s challenge, something stirs in him. He doesn't see a giant that can’t be beaten—he sees an opportunity to defend God's honor. He doesn’t ask, “Am I strong enough?” He asks, “Why hasn’t anyone stepped forward?”
Faith Over Fear: The Source of David’s Courage
It’s tempting to think David was simply brave. But his courage had roots—it was anchored in his past and in his God.
David had been faithful in the little things. As a shepherd, he fought off lions and bears to protect his sheep. He didn’t gain confidence from theory but from experience. These “smaller” victories prepared him for the larger battle ahead.
When questioned about his qualifications, David didn’t boast about his slingshot skills. He said:
“The Lord who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine.” – 1 Samuel 17:37
This is the foundation of godly leadership—confidence not in ourselves, but in the God who has always come through.
Leadership Principle #1: Giants Reveal the Heart of the Leader
When Goliath stepped forward, he exposed something in every Israelite. For most, it was fear. For Saul, it was passivity. But for David, it was courage.
True leadership moments don’t always arrive with a memo. They often emerge in chaos. In the fire service, it might be a multi-car wreck on a foggy highway. In corporate leadership, it might be a public relations crisis. In life, it could be a cancer diagnosis or a failing marriage.
These are our “Goliath moments,” and how we respond says more about our leadership than our résumés ever could.
Leadership Principle #2: The Right Armor Matters
When Saul finally agrees to let David fight, he tries to dress him in royal armor. But David quickly sheds it:
“I cannot go with these; for I am not used to them.” – 1 Samuel 17:39
How many times have leaders tried to wear someone else’s armor—adopting leadership styles, strategies, or values that don’t fit?
David wasn’t afraid to be himself. He fought with the tools he knew—a sling and five smooth stones.
Modern leaders must learn to lead authentically. That doesn’t mean rejecting wisdom or feedback. It means refusing to compromise your God-given identity for someone else’s image of success. The most effective leaders are those who have discovered what God has uniquely equipped them to do—and walk confidently in that calling.
Leadership Principle #3: Boldness Honors God
David’s speech to Goliath is a defining moment in biblical leadership:
“You come to me with a sword and with a spear… but I come to you in the name of the Lord of hosts…” – 1 Samuel 17:45
David doesn’t posture. He doesn’t trash-talk to boost morale. He centers his courage on God’s power and purpose. His aim is not just to win a fight, but to make God known:
“…that all the earth may know that there is a God in Israel.” – 1 Samuel 17:46
Leadership is never just about outcomes. It’s about witness. Every decision you make, every challenge you face, is a chance to declare where your trust lies. David’s victory wasn’t just personal—it was transformational. It rallied a nation and shifted momentum in a war. This should remind us of the weight of our decisions and the potential for transformation in our leadership.
Practical Applications for Modern Leaders
1. Face Your Giants with Faith, Not Fear
You may not be facing a literal giant, but chances are, you’re staring down something just as intimidating. Perhaps it’s a failing department, a toxic employee, or the fear of taking on something new.
Like David, reflect on the “lions and bears” God has already helped you conquer. Let your past victories fuel your present courage.
2. Reject the Wrong Armor
Don’t conform to what the world says a leader should look like. Whether you're a paramedic leading your crew, a business owner managing a team, or a pastor guiding your congregation, lead from your calling. Your authenticity is your strength.
3. Speak with Conviction
Leaders are often required to cast vision in the middle of chaos. David didn’t just act courageously—he spoke with boldness. When others around you doubt, your words can breathe life and stir hope.
4. Preparation Precedes Promotion
David wasn’t promoted to battlefield leader overnight. He was faithful with sheep before he was faithful with soldiers. Don't despise small beginnings. Honor God where you are, and trust that He’s preparing you for what’s next.
5. Remember Who Gets the Glory
David's focus wasn’t on becoming a hero—it was on honoring God. As leaders, we must continually ask: Am I pointing people to my skills or to God’s sufficiency? Leadership isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about stewardship.
Reflection: What Giants Are You Facing?
Every leader has a Goliath. Yours might not be nine feet tall, but it’s real. The question isn’t whether the giant is intimidating—the question is whether your faith is greater than your fear.
Ask yourself:
What giant is standing in my way right now?
Am I trying to wear someone else’s armor?
How has God already prepared me for this moment?
Who will get the glory when the victory comes?
A Call to Courage
David didn’t defeat Goliath with a sword. He defeated him with faith. He stood where others shrank. He believed where others doubted. And he acted while others hesitated.
That’s the kind of leadership our world desperately needs today.
Leaders who face giants with courage. Leaders who trust more in God's promises than the world’s predictions. Leaders who see opposition not as the end—but as the moment for God’s power to be revealed.
So stand up, pick up your stones, and face your giant.
Not in your strength—but in His.
Reflection Question of the Week: What ‘giants’ am I facing, and how can I trust God more deeply to overcome them?
Closing Thought: Leadership begins when we step forward in faith—even when fear whispers, “You’re not enough.” Like David, may we rise, not because we’re ready, but because we’re called. And may every step forward echo the truth: “The battle is the Lord’s.” (1 Samuel 17:47)
The Servant Leader: Jesus’ Model of Authority
“The Servant Leader: Jesus’ Model of Authority” explores the powerful moment in John 13 when Jesus washes His disciples’ feet, modeling a leadership style grounded in humility, love, and service. This article breaks down the core traits of servant leadership—such as empathy, integrity, and empowerment—and applies them to modern contexts like business, ministry, public service, and family life. With real-world examples and practical takeaways, the post challenges today’s leaders to reject ego-driven leadership and embrace the transformative power of serving others.
Ancient Truth for Modern Leaders
In a world that equates leadership with dominance, status, and influence, one of the most powerful lessons in leadership didn’t come from a CEO or a general—but from a Teacher who knelt to wash His disciples’ feet. In John 13:12-17, we witness Jesus Christ, the Son of God, laying aside His outer garments, wrapping a towel around His waist, and performing the task reserved for the lowliest servant.
It’s more than just a beautiful gesture. It’s a blueprint.
A Radical Reversal of Power
At first glance, the act of washing feet seems out of place for someone of Jesus' stature. In first-century Judea, foot-washing was an act of hospitality but was always delegated to servants. For the Master to kneel before His followers was shocking—and yet it was entirely consistent with the way Jesus led.
“You call me Teacher and Lord; and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” (John 13:13–14, RSVCE)
This single act encapsulates Jesus’ approach to leadership: not one of authority over others, but authority under God, expressed through loving service.
In today’s leadership culture—where power often serves ego and control—Jesus models something revolutionary. He teaches us that leadership is not a platform to elevate ourselves, but a posture to lower ourselves in service to others.
The Characteristics of a Servant Leader
Drawing from Jesus' example, here are six key characteristics that define a servant leader:
1. Humility
Jesus willingly took on a task no one else wanted. He wasn’t concerned with how He appeared or what others thought. Humility in leadership means we are secure enough to serve in unseen, thankless roles when needed. It means we listen more than we speak and lift others up without seeking credit.
2. Empathy
By washing the disciples’ feet, Jesus acknowledged their physical and spiritual journey. He met them where they were—dirty, tired, confused—and offered comfort. Servant leaders take time to understand the burdens others carry. They walk beside their teams, not ahead of them.
3. Intentionality
Jesus knew His time was short. He chose this moment with great purpose. Servant leaders act with vision and clarity, knowing that small acts of service can leave lasting impressions. Leadership isn’t about doing everything—it’s about doing the right things at the right time.
4. Empowerment
By saying, “You also ought to wash one another’s feet,” Jesus was empowering His followers to go and do likewise. Servant leaders equip others to lead, to grow, and to succeed—even if that means working themselves out of a job.
5. Integrity
Jesus didn’t just teach these values; He lived them. His leadership was never manipulative or self-serving. Servant leaders are the same in private as they are in public. They lead with consistency, compassion, and conviction.
6. Love
At the heart of Jesus’ action was love. A love that sees the worth in others. A love that goes the extra mile. A love that costs something. Servant leadership is powered by love, not ambition. That love transforms the lives of those we lead.
Servant Leadership in the Modern World
While the setting may differ, the application is timeless. Leaders today face pressure to perform, deliver results, and compete in a fast-paced, metrics-driven world. Yet when we shift from self-serving leadership to servant leadership, we find a path that is not only more ethical but more effective.
Consider the following modern parallels:
In the workplace, servant leaders create cultures of trust. They recognize the dignity of every employee—from the janitor to the executive—and inspire loyalty through care and respect.
In the church, servant leaders don’t lead from a pedestal, but from the pulpit of example. They are shepherds, not CEOs—available, accountable, and authentic.
In the home, servant leadership shows up in small moments: changing diapers, attending school events, listening with full attention. Leadership in the family is often unseen, but eternally significant.
In politics and public service, we need leaders who don’t seek office for power’s sake but for the opportunity to lift communities. As Scripture reminds us, “Whoever would be great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43, RSVCE).
Breaking the Cultural Mold
Let’s face it: servant leadership doesn’t come naturally. We’re trained to climb ladders, not to hold them for others. We crave recognition, not obscurity. But Jesus flips that narrative on its head:
“For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15, RSVCE)
To lead like Christ, we must first follow Christ. We must be willing to embrace a leadership model that may seem foolish to the world but is faithful to the Word.
It means we stop asking, “How many people work for me?” and start asking, “How many people am I working for?”
Leading Through Service: Practical Steps
Here are five ways you can embody servant leadership this week:
Perform an unseen act of kindness for someone on your team. No spotlight. No announcement.
Ask meaningful questions in your one-on-ones: “What’s weighing on you?” or “How can I better support you?”
Delegate with development in mind. Use leadership as an opportunity to elevate others, not micromanage them.
Apologize when needed. Humility builds more trust than perfection ever could.
Celebrate team wins more than your own. Shift the narrative from “I did it” to “We did it.”
These steps, though small, are transformative. They cultivate trust, inspire loyalty, and reflect the very heart of Jesus.
Legacy Over Power
The legacy of a servant leader is not written in titles or accolades but in the lives they’ve shaped. Long after Jesus’ earthly ministry, the world is still being changed by the example He left behind.
He didn’t lead armies. He didn’t hold office. But He led through love—and it changed everything.
“Blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:17, RSVCE)
May we be so bold as to lead like that. May we kneel before others, not because we’re weak, but because we’re strong enough to serve.
Final Reflection
Ask yourself today: In what ways can I lead through serving others this week?
Maybe it’s by slowing down to truly listen. Maybe it’s by doing something inconvenient for someone else. Or maybe it’s by recommitting to a leadership style that prioritizes people over profits, calling over control, and faith over fear.
The servant leader isn’t passive. They are powerful in ways the world doesn’t always understand. They are brave enough to lead from below, knowing that their foundation is unshakeable.
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🎙️ This week's Leadership Scroll podcast explores this topic in depth, featuring real-life stories of modern leaders who follow Christ’s servant model. 📩 Subscribe to our newsletter and never miss a weekly dose of Ancient Truth for Modern Leaders.
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