Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

 

NEED FOR HUMILITY IN LEADERSHIP

Bible Reading:  1 Kings 12:1-7

 

Key Verse:  V 7  They answered him, “If you will be a servant to this people today and serve them, and speak good words to them when you answer them, then they will be your servants for ever.”

DEVOTION

Quite often, we favor leaders who display confidence bordering on arrogance as effective leaders. We ascribe this to toughness and effectiveness. However, this seems very contradictory to the type of leadership we see promoted in scripture as exemplary. We are all most familiar with the teaching of Jesus Christ regarding leadership. “It shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Matthew 20:26). We also see the example Jesus sets for his disciples as he washes their feet (John 13:1-16). The common theme we see is an attitude of service one must have in a position of leadership or power. In order for anyone to have this attitude, it is important to have humility.  In today’s Bible portion, we see Rehoboam the Son of Solomon rising up to be the king. During this time Jeroboam (who had fled from Solomon) along with the assembly of Israelites requested a relief from burdens that King Solomon had laid upon them and in return, they promised to serve him. He told them to return after 3 days and during this time he sought out the advice of two groups of people, the older men who had attended his father Solomon and the young men who had grown up with him. The elder men gave him the advice to serve the people and speak kindly to them, they would be his servants forever. However, the younger men, advised him to tell the people that he would be even tougher on them than his father. Rehoboam ignores the wise advice of the elders and instead follows the path of treachery. As a result, the kingdom splits in two and both kingdoms were led by ungodly men. The Northern Kingdom moves over to idol worship and abandons Jerusalem as the center of worship. Look at all the negative impacts of one man’s proud behavior on an entire country. 
Let us examine our own approach to leadership; whether in our homes, workplaces, and communities. Are we willing to listen, serve, and prioritize others' needs over our own desires? Let us ask God for the humility to lead as Jesus taught us to lead, with love, compassion, and wisdom.  
  

   PRAYER

Heavenly Father, we thank you for showing us the importance of humility in leadership. Teach us to listen to wise counsel, serve selflessly, and put others’ needs above our own. Help us follow the example of Jesus, leading with love and compassion.  In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen. 

Thought for the day
Blessed are the meek  for they will inherit the earth.


Vivin Varughese
The Mar Thoma Church - Staten Island

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