In a research initiated in 2002, the author said that the optimal motivation to leadership is the desire of an individual to serve . A servant leader like the Jesus Christ emanates this attribute. In fact, anyone who wishes to follow the teachings of Christ should have the heart for serving their brethren without expecting anything in return .
We have seen a lot of leaders who serve for the purpose of self-aggrandizement. Some would go to remote areas to build house for the aborigines, to distribute relief goods for the victims of calamities and some donate hospitals, schools and facilities claiming this is all in the service of humanity. However, you ask the pureness of their intention because of the publicity that will be given to every little act of charity that they do. A true servant leader does not anything in return. The Bible says that a leader and a follower of Christ have to denounce everything in order to achieve the Kingdom of God. Matthew 19:21 cites, “If you want to be perfect, go, sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven.
Then come, follow me.” Paul Wong explained that a servant leader must embrace the teachings of Jesus to denounce power in order to serve and instead of the desire to control things a servant leader must allow God to rule over their desires and their intentions . To embody the teachings of the Lord and become servant leader, people does not necessarily have to distribute all their possessions. Instead, they simply have to embrace God above all things . Money and power will soon go. Beauty will fade but the kindness of people will live for generations to remember and this is what everyone should aspire for aside from our ultimate goal of reuniting with our Creator in the paradise.
Work Cited
Malphurs, Aubrey. Being Leaders: The Nature of Authentic Christian Leadership. Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Books, 2003. Print.
Nouwen, Henri. In the Name of Jesus: Reflections on Christian Leadership. London: St Paul's Publication, 1999. Print.
Russell, Robert and Gregory Stone. "A Review of Servant Leadership Attributes: Developing a Practical Model ." Leadership & Organization Development Journal (2002): 145-157. Print.
Wallace, Randall. "Servant Leadership: A worldwide Perspective." International Journal of Leadership Studies (2007): 114-132. Print.
Wong, Paul. Wong and Page – Servant Leadership: An Opponent Process Model - 1. British Columbia, 3 October 2003. Web.
