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Column > Servant Leadership Servant Leadership Hyatt Moore (former USA director) One of our office managers here at Wycliffe headquarters has a towel hanging in his office. It seemed a little strange when I saw it, folded over a rack among pictures and other pieces of decor. When I asked him about it he said, "It's a reminder," his eyes narrowing as if to say, "You know...." I did. It was a reminder of one of the most stunning acts Jesus ever did on earth--- so stunning Peter almost rejected it. To him it was scandalous that Jesus would wash his feet-- the greater serving the lesser. But Jesus followed through, acting out what has always been so. In the true economy of God that's always how it is. It's servant leadership at its essence and the world needs a lot more of it. It shouldn't surprise us that God Himself is the prime example. But it always does. We serve Him because He first served us. Ours is to go and do likewise. It's a lofty notion when you think about it, stooping to serve others considered lower on the ladder. As humans we struggle with the whole concept. We like to be exalted, to know that others recognize our position, to be served. But God always has another way for us. As I reflected on my friend's towel, I saw how it's as much a portrait of God as anything he could have put in a frame. It's a powerful reminder of what He's done for us, and how we are now to live. I also thought about our missionaries out on the field. They're serving-- wearing towels, as it were. There's a temptation to put them on a pedestal for it. Yet to them they're only doing what they're supposed to do. And people always seem happiest when they're serving the most. |
