Roger Lipe: Weekly Devotion

W o r l d l y   L e a d e r s h i p

http://devotions4competitors.blogspot.com/2012/06/w-o-r-l-d-l-y-l-e-d-e-r-s-h-i-p-mark.html

Mark 10:42-43

From whom did you learn your leadership style?  Do you tend to emulate a coach or team leader from past teams?  Who might we find to be examples of poor leadership?  Jesus points to some of each in today’s scripture.

At Mark chapter 10 and verses 42 through 43, we read, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them.  Not so with you.  Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…”

There are plenty of models for poor leadership and Jesus pointed directly at one in this passage.  He said, “Don’t do it like them!”  He then laid out simple, direct ways to lead in a way that most honors God and best honors your teammates.

·        The world’s supposed leaders pull rank all the time – don’t do that!

·        Their poor leaders lead purely by position and power – you don’t have to!

·        Not so with you – don’t give in to that lowest and most crude level of leadership!

·        If you want to be great – be a servant to your teammates!

That ethic certainly seems upside down to us, but it is full of wisdom.  Jesus knows that the greatest leaders don’t need to push their way around with position and power, but they lead by seeking the best for their teammates.

As you compete today, be team leaders like Jesus and seek the best for your team and for individual teammates.  As you do, you’ll find yourself becoming a great leader and you’ll find your team being greatly successful.