And they spake unto him, saying, If thou wilt be a servant unto this people this day, and wilt serve them, and answer them, and speak good words to them, then they will be thy servants for ever. – 1 Kings 12:7
What does it mean to be a leader?
That’s the question that Rehoboam was really being asked when Jeroboam and his delegation came to him in 1 Kings 12:4
Thy father made our yoke grievous: now therefore make thou the grievous service of thy father, and his heavy yoke which he put upon us, lighter, and we will serve thee.
In fact, that’s the question we’re all asked any time we’re presented with a problem that demands to be solved.
What does it mean to be a leader?
As far as those who are followers are concerned, a leader is someone to whom you bring your problems to be solved.
The expectation is that you, the leader, are responsible for finding a solution to the issue or dilemma at hand.
As far as Rehoboam’s young advisors were concerned, a leader is someone who asserts his or her position as leader by using their power and might to threaten, intimidate and keep their followers in fear. (1 Kings 12:10-11)
Sadly, this is a mental model that is followed by many of our political and corporate leaders.
Church leaders fighting Church wars to build the biggest following and create the strongest (and most lucrative) personal and ministry brand.
Elected officials focusing their campaigns on maligning the opposition instead of on delivering on the promises they made to get elected in the first place.
Power-hungry men and women obsessed with their personal egos and committed to taking credit and dishing out blame (instead of the other way around).
But what we learn from the old men who counseled the wisest (and most foolish!) man who ever lived, we see a different definition of a leader.
We see that a leader is actually the greatest servant.
We see that to lead is to serve.
And we see that to be a great leader is to be a great servant.
Others will serve you, follow you, do what you say because you are serving them.
You are solving their problems, thinking long-term and innovating solutions on their behalf.
You are helping them fulfil their potential and leading them to a place they’ve never been, but one where they will be glad to have reached.
As always, Jesus said it best in Matthew 20:25-28
But Jesus called them unto him, and said, Ye know that the princes of the Gentiles exercise dominion over them, and they that are great exercise authority upon them.
26 But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister;
27 And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant:
28 Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
That’s what you were signed up for the moment you came out of your mother’s womb.
Because to be human is to be a leader. (Genesis 1:28)
And to be a leader is to be Servant #1.