8/26/25 A Different Kind of Leadership

Takeaway: Godly leaders don't dominate; they lead by example with a servant's heart.

Opening Prayer (Tuesday)

Lord, I come before You seeking wisdom and clarity. Help me to discern Your will and make choices that honor You. Open my heart to Your truth as I spend time with You today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflection

Leadership in the kingdom of God stands in stark contrast to the way leadership is often practiced in the world. In 1 Peter 5:2–3, the apostle calls the elders of the church to “shepherd the flock of God. . .willingly, as God wants you to be; not pursuing dishonest gain, but eager to serve.” This passage dismantles the image of leadership as power-wielding authority and replaces it with the tender picture of a shepherd caring for sheep. Godly leaders are not driven by self-interest or a need for control. Instead, they lead with a servant’s heart, understanding that their role is to guide, protect, and nurture those entrusted to their care. This is leadership rooted in humility, where influence comes not from position or title, but from a life lived faithfully before God and others.

The greatest model for this kind of leadership is Jesus Himself. Though He had all authority in heaven and on earth, He chose to kneel and wash His disciples’ feet. He called them to follow the same example, not to lord their authority over others, but to serve. True kingdom leadership is never about elevating oneself; it is about stepping down in love. It recognizes that the people in our care belong to God, and therefore they must be treated with gentleness, kindness, and dignity. Servant-leadership is patient, willing to walk alongside others in their weakness, and quick to rejoice in their growth without seeking the credit.

For any setting, whether in church, home, or workplace, this means setting the tone through personal example. It means embodying the life we hope others will follow: a life marked by prayer, integrity, generosity, and forgiveness. Leadership rooted in Christlike humility leaves a deeper impression on others than any demand could. The flock learns to follow not because they are forced, but because they trust and respect the shepherd’s leadership. And when leaders live this way, they reflect the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ. Such leadership might seem “different” in a world that celebrates ambition and dominance, but in God’s kingdom, it is the only leadership that truly lasts.

Questions

In what ways have you seen Jesus’ servant leadership modeled in the lives of others?

What practical steps can you take to lead more by example than by instruction?

Application

God calls every believer to lead in some capacity, whether in a ministry role, in the home, at work, or in daily relationships. Servant-leadership means choosing humility over self-promotion. Intentionally practice leadership that reflects Jesus by looking for ways to serve those you influence. That could mean actively listening, offering encouragement, stepping in to help with a need, or modeling forgiveness in a difficult situation. Let your life become the example that points others to the Good Shepherd.

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus, You are the perfect Shepherd and Servant King. Teach me to lead with Your heart: willingly, humbly, and with genuine love for those in my care. Keep me from seeking recognition or control, and instead help me reflect Your gentleness and grace in every decision and action. Influence rooted Jesus’ Name, Amen.

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