The Virtues of Servant Leadership

“So one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us, beginning from the baptism of John until the day when he was taken up from us—one of these men must become with us a witness to his resurrection.” And they put forward two, Joseph called Barsabbas, who was also called Justus, and Matthias. And they prayed and said, “You, Lord, who know the hearts of all, show which one of these two you have chosen to take the place in this ministry and apostleship from which Judas turned aside to go to his own place.” And they cast lots for them, and the lot fell on Matthias, and he was numbered with the eleven apostles (Acts 1:21-26).

The number of apostles had been fixed firmly by Jesus. The New Testament Church was to be the gathering of Gentiles grafted into the chosen nation of Israel… “You, although a wild olive shoot, were grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing root of the olive tree” (Romans 11:17). Just as Israel had twelve tribes descended from twelve patriarchs, the Church is built on a foundation of twelve apostles, with Jesus as the cornerstone… “You are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone” (Ephesians 2:19-20). Only God knew who Judas’ replacement would be, and as Peter and the apostles seek God’s will the Spirit of Truth reveals the virtues of servant leadership.

Servant leaders walk closely with Christ. The new apostle had to be… “one of the men who have accompanied us during all the time that the Lord Jesus went in and out among us”. True Christian servant leaders spend much time with Christ because He is the model of servant leadership worthy of imitation… “Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1). In the simplest terms, the life of discipleship is becoming more like Christ, and the secret to such a transformation is found in intimate fellowship with Him… “And we all, with unveiled face, beholding the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image from one degree of glory to another. For this comes from the Lord who is the Spirit” (2 Corinthians 3:18). This spiritual counsel comes from Paul, God’s choice to replace Judas as His apostle.

Servant leaders witness earnestly for Christ. The apostle was to be a messenger of the gospel. In the same way, all maturing disciples become increasing reflections of Christ and His gospel to the lost world around us. As we grow in the faith, our words and actions increasingly align with God’s word… “If you abide in my word, you are truly my disciples” (John 8:31), and we are increasingly filled with His Holy Spirit… “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth” (Acts 1:8). As we grow up in the faith, God’s grace works in us through His Word and His Spirit to set us apart from the world and to make us powerful witnesses to the world.

Servant leaders wait patiently on Christ. The apostles prayed and waited for the Lord’s answer. When we are seeking the Lord’s will, the first step is always to pray because prayer puts our heart in the correct position before God. Prayer moves our focus from our need and fixes our sight on the Lord who is more than willing and able to meet our deepest need… “Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us” (Ephesians 3:20). The apostles waited by casting lots, an Old Testament instruction from God… “Aaron shall cast lots over the two goats, one lot for the LORD and the other lot for Azazel” (Leviticus 16:8). New testament disciples wait on the Lord by abiding in His word, because the Bible gives the maturing disciple direction in life… “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path” (Psalm 119:105). Through prayer and Bible study, we give God every opportunity to reveal His good, pleasing, and perfect will in every situation.

As we grow up into Christ, we become more effective and productive disciples as we develop…

The Virtues of Servant Leadership.