MOTIVATED BY LOVE OR BY POWER?

​There are two types of motivations that drive leaders. There are leaders who are driven by selfish ambition, and then there are leaders who are motivated by a love for others. The former are much like James and John; they are concerned primarily about personal elevation and act out of self-interest. The latter, like Christ, are more interested in serving, edifying and accomplishing good for the benefit of others. This truth is not some ethereal idealism; it is based upon practical examples demonstrated in the life of the ultimate servant-leader, Jesus Christ.

First, the servant-leader has an awareness of his accountability to God. Jesus said, “The Son of Man can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.” (John 5:19) In other words, the servant-leader realizes he must pattern his leadership after God. He knows that God has set the standard for right and wrong and he will ultimately answer to God for his conduct, especially as a leader.

Secondly, the servant-leader recognizes the worth and value of every soul. This was what motivated Jesus. In Luke 15:4-6, He told the parable of a man who had a hundred sheep. After realizing that one lamb was lost, the man left the ninety-nine and searched after the missing lamb until he found it. Just as the one lost lamb held significance to the shepherd, so does every individual life have incredible value to God. Nowhere was this demonstrated more than on the cross. Romans 5:8 tells us, “God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” The cross is the revelation of the love of God for the human soul. For every person, God has a plan. For every life, God has a purpose. Jeremiah 29:11 reveals this: “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.”

Thirdly, the servant-leader is focused on the long term good he can achieve for others. The self-centered leader cares only about immediate, self-aggrandizing gratification. In fact, great servant-leaders exhaust their lives building a vision that will outlast themselves. Consider the difference between Jesus and the Pharisees, the religious leaders of His day.

Taking our example from Jesus Christ, a servant-leader primarily focuses on the growth and well-being of people and the communities to which they belong. While carnal, self-centered leadership pursues the accumulation power, servant leadership is different. The servant-leader shares power, puts the needs of others first, and helps people develop and perform as highly as possible.
 
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