August 10: Insight Post by Kim Feld
Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld
In 1970, Robert K. Greenleaf wrote an essay entitled “The Servant as Leader,” advocating for a new management philosophy. In this leadership style, the leader strives to serve the team rather than the team serving the leader. It has been celebrated for enhancing growth, collaboration, and employee well-being and engagement. Long before 1970, Jesus modeled service in the way He led His followers.
The scene in John chapter 13 is a striking example of Jesus’ humility and service. I imagine that Peter was not the only disciple who was shocked that Jesus washed his feet! This was a job normally done by servants, certainly not by those in positions of leadership and authority. Yet, Jesus demonstrated a level of service that would have been shocking to those who observed it.
Jesus’ example begs the question, “Are there things that I think are beneath me?” Humility has often been defined as not thinking less of myself but thinking of myself less. There is no doubt that Jesus was humble, but we have no indication that He had a poor self-image. In today’s world, just as in Jesus’ time, status often dictates what we believe is acceptable for us to do.
This month’s focus gives us a great opportunity to examine our level of service in the different areas of our lives. How are we doing in serving our friends and families? How about our co-workers and those we encounter in our daily lives? We have ample opportunities every day to serve in unexpected ways.
Spend some time reading this passage that Paul wrote to the Philippians. It gives us a clear example of the attitude that leads to service:
1Is there any encouragement from belonging to Christ? Any comfort from his love? Any fellowship together in the Spirit? Are your hearts tender and compassionate? 2Then make me truly happy by agreeing wholeheartedly with each other, loving one another, and working together with one mind and purpose.
3Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. 4Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.
5You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.
7Instead, he gave up his divine privileges;
he took the humble position of a slaveand was born as a human being.
When he appeared in human form,
8he humbled himself in obedience to God and died a criminal’s death on a cross.
10that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
11and every tongue declare that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.
Philippians 2:1-11 (NLT)
Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach
New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
newhope.org