Jesus is our greatest example of servant-leadership that we will ever find. I love to think of Him with the towel wrapped around his waist and washing the disciple's feet. It is a good reminder for me of how I should be.
Well, I ran into this great story on the web and I thought I would share it here. Another example of servant-leadership...
A noncommissioned officer was directing the repairs of a military building during the American Revolution. He was barking orders to the soldiers under his command, trying to get them to raise a heavy wooden beam.
As the men struggled in vain to lift the beam into place, a man who was passing by stopped to ask the one in charge why he wasn’t helping the men. With all the pomp of an emperor, the soldier responded, “Sir, I am a corporal!”
“You are, are you?” replied the passerby, “I was not aware of that.” Then, taking off his hat and bowing, he said, “I ask your pardon, Corporal.” Then the stranger walked over and strained with the soldiers to lift the heavy beam. After the job was finished, he turned and said, “Mr. Corporal, when you have another such job, and have not enough men, send for your Commander in Chief, and I will come and help you a second time.” The corporal was thunderstruck. The man’s name was General George Washington.
As the men struggled in vain to lift the beam into place, a man who was passing by stopped to ask the one in charge why he wasn’t helping the men. With all the pomp of an emperor, the soldier responded, “Sir, I am a corporal!”
“You are, are you?” replied the passerby, “I was not aware of that.” Then, taking off his hat and bowing, he said, “I ask your pardon, Corporal.” Then the stranger walked over and strained with the soldiers to lift the heavy beam. After the job was finished, he turned and said, “Mr. Corporal, when you have another such job, and have not enough men, send for your Commander in Chief, and I will come and help you a second time.” The corporal was thunderstruck. The man’s name was General George Washington.
Isn't it true that we all want to be honored, respected and appreciated? So badly, sometimes, that we almost demand it. However, the fact is, that these things cannot be demanded or even requested, because true honor, respect and appreciation only come one way. When we become servants.
Keep these passages in mind when you are thinking of the need to be humble and lowly...when you need to be reminded that we have to serve others, and chafe at the thought...
Matthew 19:30 - But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.
Mark 10:44-45 - ...and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. [45] "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Mark 10:44-45 - ...and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. [45] "For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many."
Again, Jesus was the greatest example...especially when He laid down His life for our salvation.
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