The Heart of a True Leader

“And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all”
Mark 10:44

Whenever one enters into the discussion on leadership, it is inevitable that the question will arise what makes a great leader. The world equates greatness with the ability to exercise authority over others (Mark 10:42). The greater ones authority the greater he is as a leader. However, the Lord Jesus painted an entirely different picture of a great leader.

By His definition, the Lord Jesus would equate greatness in leadership not with ones authority, but instead with ones attitude toward others. The Lord Jesus said that those that would be great among others would be those who ministered unto others. A great leader seeks to meet the needs of those around him, he does not seek his own self interest. We have stated in previous weeks that leadership is at its core influence. Those who have the ability to influence others are those who have been given opportunity to lead. We can best influence others when we serve them. Therefore, we must conclude that the greatest leaders have been and will be those who are the greatest servants.

The greatest example of this type of leadership was the Lord Jesus Himself. We are told in Mark 10:45, “For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto [although He was worthy of it], but to minster, and to give his life a ransom for many.” Let us learn the valuable lesson that our Savior taught His disciples while hear on the earth; if you want to be a great leader than become a great servant. Who have you served lately? I trust that the answer that you give is not myself. Develop a servant heart!