LEADERSHIP AND SERVITUDE

I took my first church as the pastor in 1977. So I can tell you that I have worked with many men, and women, on various boards and committees within the church. Within that experience, I have worked with those who are there to serve; they want to work together for the furtherance of the Gospel. As well, I have worked with those who are there seeking power, with their own agenda in mind. It has been my goal to encourage and welcome those who want to serve. It has also been my goal to do whatever is within my power to not allow those who enjoy their power and seek their given agenda to sit in seats of authority. This brings me to my subject for this month’s Pondering.

I don’t believe anyone will ever be a good leader that has not learned to first be a good follower. Or, as Christ put it, if you want to lead, learn to serve. Christ made this point very clear when He said in Mark 9:35, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” The Biblical principle of servitude is not only within the church but in our secular relationships as well. Let’s look at these verses.

Hebrews 13:17 “Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you.” The Bible would exhort us to submit to those who have leadership over the affairs of the church. This does not give the pastor, or others in leadership, unlimited power; for they must give an accounting to the One they are to obey and serve. But I do believe that the leadership of the church should be supported and followed the majority of the time. I believe this is for the greater good of both us and the church.

Next we look at Romans 13:1,2. “Everyone must submit himself to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. Consequently, he who rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves.” We are to submit to civil government. This would include any in authority from the President down to the policeman on the street. God has placed each in their particular place to ultimately bring about His goals. We may not like the rules, we may not appreciate those in leadership, whether it be their personality, policies, or their party affiliation. However, unless they are asking us to do something illegal, unethical, immoral, or against the teachings of the higher authority of God (Acts 4:19,20), we are to submit. I believe this is for the greater good of both us and our society.

The next passage we will consider is Ephesians 6:5-8. “Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he does, whether he is slave or free.” While he speaks of slaves, this carries naturally into the employer/employee relationship. In fact, many would say, “That’s me! I’m a slave.” In this passage once again we learn that we are to obey those in authority over us. I believe if you read that passage again it doesn't mean we obey but spend every minute grumbling about it. Over the years I held many jobs (I wasn’t always a preacher) and I was generally able to get along with those I had to work with and for, even those of who I was told, ‘they don’t get along with anyone.’ I believe that one thing helped me was taking a proper attitude into the workplace. First, I figured my pay was the same whether I was asked to do ‘a’ or ‘b.’ Secondly, whoever was in charge, was in charge. I didn’t always sign off on the way they did things, but they have been put in charge so just tell me how you want it done and I’ll try to do it. Believe me, many were the times when, at least in my mind, things could have been done far better. A third thing I always kept in mind was that one day I might be in charge. I seldom stayed where I started in a company. I knew when I started telling others what to do all of a sudden I would be ‘the idiot in charge.’ I believe if we subject ourselves to those in charge with a godly attitude it is better for us and our witness.

Let's close up this subject with a look at a couple more passages. Romans 13:6,7. “This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God's servants, who give their full time to governing. Give everyone what you owe him: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor.”

Now listen to what John the Baptist had to say. “Then some soldiers asked him, ‘And what should we do?’ He replied, ‘Don't extort money and don't accuse people falsely — be content with your pay.’” Luke 3:14. Yes, we all want a raise and we should work hard to deserve one, but it should never be our motivating factor in life, nor should it be instrumental in how well I do my job.