Leader who serves

I did not do so, because of the fear of God.

– Nehemiah 5:15

A youth pastor was leading a group of young people on a short-term mission trip to a poor community in Peru. The only comfortable room available was assigned to the pastor, but he refused it.

When it came time to pour concrete in the 100-degree heat, he didn’t stand under a tree and drink lemonade – he took his turn pushing the wheelbarrow up the ramp and shoveling out the concrete. He gained great respect from both the Peruvians and his youth group by joining in the hard work with them.

When Israel was rebuilding the wall of Jerusalem under hard and dangerous conditions, their leader Nehemiah took his turn at both building and standing guard. Special food was allotted to him as the leader, but he refused to accept it, unlike his predecessors. He ate from the same rations that were offered to everyone else (Nehemiah 5:18).

Two options come with leadership: the temptation to serve yourself, and the opportunity to serve the people you lead. Nehemiah chose to be a servant-leader, and it earned for him enormous respect.

If the Lord ever places you in a position of leadership, ask for His help to be a leader who serves.

– David C. Egner

All those who have authority

Should use their power to lead;

By taking orders from the Lord

And serving those in need.

– Dennis De Haan

READ: Nehemiah 5:14-19

Leaders who serve will serve as good leaders.