Using Your Power
to Serve
July 19, 2004
In his book, Transforming Leadership, Leighton
Ford observes, “Next to truth, the power question is the most
important issue for the leader. And it is precisely in relation
to power that the leadership of Jesus stands in the greatest
contrast to popular understandings of leadership.”
In his essay, “Leadership and Power,” John Gardner
defines power as “the capacity to ensure the outcome one wishes
and to prevent those one does not wish.” In light of that
definition, Ford concludes that no one ever had at his or her
disposal greater power than Jesus. He could calm the raging
storm, cast out demons, open blind eyes, or curse a fig tree and
have it wither. Yet, Jesus consistently used his power to serve
others (Matt. 20:28; John 13:1-17). And he has called his
followers to do the same thing (John 13:15).
How do we go about doing that? The Apostle Paul urges leaders to
treat others as members of their own family. He said, “1Do not
rebuke an older man harshly, but exhort him as if he were your
father. Treat younger men as brothers, 2older women as mothers,
and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity” (1 Timothy
5:1-2). Leaders use their influence to help those in need. While
Paul’s instructions apply to the church, they would work just as
well in the marketplace, classroom or neighborhood.
As a leader, follow Jesus’ example—serve
those you lead.
(Transforming Leadership, Leighton Ford, InterVarsity Press, pp.
140-159).
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