The Pledge of a Servant Leader

Today, I have one more thought about the concept of spiritual leadership or servant leadership… If one is to dissect the ‘phraseology’ of the term servant leadership which is used widely in Christian literature and the eventual application of this concept, the focus on the term should not be leadership at all, but servant hood. In his book, Spiritual Leadership, Henry Blackaby states “when God finds men and women willing to be molded into His servants, the possibilities are limitless”. Ummmm, so God is not looking for leaders, but for servants. Moses was one such servant who is called “the most humble man on the face of the earth” (Numbers 12:3). Another servant was Abraham, “Gods’ friend” (James 2:23). So why when we talk about becoming servant leaders, do we hold on so tightly to the term and concept of leadership…. instead of servant hood? Everyone wants to be a leader but no one wants to be a servant, myself included. However, Christ, our example, was known more for being a servant than for being a leader …

“[Jesus] laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him. He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, Lord, do you wash my feet? Jesus answered him, what I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand.” Peter said to him, “You shall never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, if I do not wash you; you have no share with me. Simon Peter said to him, “Lord, not my feet only but also my hands and my head!” Jesus said to him, “The one who has bathed does not need to wash, except for his feet, but is completely clean. And you are clean, but not every one of you.” For he knew who was to betray him; that was why he said, “Not all of you are clean.” When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13: 4-17).

Obviously, we are human and not God, but are we elevated more than Christ. Heavens, NO! So the only way we can pursue the mission of a servant of God is total dependence on Gods Holy Spirit, above all, actively pursuing relationship with Him. The servant’s task then becomes, living a lifestyle that encourages people to move from where they are to where God wants them to be.
I am wondering if any of this makes sense to you as it does to me. I am also wondering if you are willing to plunge head long into the icy waters of the unknown… to give up your own agenda for Gods. Moreover, are you willing to lead others to do the same? If so, and you are serious, make this pledge, with me to God. But before you sign it, read the previous two posts as well as the scripture contained in the pledge, for it is not an easy pledge. Personally, I am quaking in my proverbial boots as I make this vow to my Living and Active God. However, Jesus reminds me that the gate is narrow and the way is hard that leads to life, and those who find it are few, but if I instead choose to enter by the wide gate, which is easy and it will lead to destruction, and those who enter by it are many (Matt 7: 13-14) .

The Servants Pledge
I ___________, an unashamed Follower of Christ (Matt 4:19; Matt 13:47; Mark 1: 17; John 1:37), thereby renounce my personal agenda, my life goals, my aspirations, my dreams (Matt 10:38-39; Matt 16: 24; Luke 9: 23-25; Luke 14: 27; Heb 12:2), and will from this moment on, begin responding to You, the Holy and Living God, Creator and Sustainer of the Universe (Gen 1: 1; Heb 1: 2-3; John 1: 3), with radical obedience to everything that You, my God, show me to do (Josh 24:27).
In accordance to Your Sovereign purpose (Gen 22:18; Acts 3:25; Gal 3: 8; Gal 3: 16, 18), I _____________ actively choose to trust and believe (Matt 21: 22; Heb 2: 13) no matter what, agreeing from this time forth, that faith will now be sight (Heb 11:6).
And, I wholeheartedly, acknowledge that in all things and at all times I have need for constant and complete dependence of Your presence in my life (Ps 56: 11; 2 Cor 1: 9-10). I ___________ am desperate for You and You alone.
Today ____________, I ____________ freely and wholeheartedly commit my life anew, as did the saints and prophets of old (Heb 11), to be your servant leader.