Greatness Redefined

Leading is not lording. And lording over others cannot make anyone a great leader. You may have probably encountered some leaders who act like they are the boss in everything. Sometimes it becomes more difficult when this kind of leaders demand respect from their subordinates but they themselves could not give the same respect to others. They make us feel that no one is greater than them. Dominance and self-importance become more important than other significant matters that needed greater attention. Tension happens and it affects everyone.

When someone is placed in the position of leadership, he or she carries an image of greatness or the leadership position in itself naturally implies a sense of greatness. So, people who want to be great, oftentimes, aspire to become somebody who is on top. It is a great position, a great social status, and a great image. But when the leader lords instead of leads, they are not really great and they are not really leaders at all no matter what the leadership textbook says. We have a better manual for leadership and greatness. It is the Bible.

“But Jesus summoned them, and said, “You know that the rulers of the nations lord it over them, and their great ones exercise authority over them.”

– Matthew 20:25 (WEB)

Jesus clearly explained that leading is not lording. A lord acts like he owns the people and his subordinates are his property. A leader treats his subordinates as significant assets. A lord demands time and energy more than what is required. A leader inspires people to work within the rightful demands of the job. A lord sees himself important and indispensable. A leader sees his subordinates important and indispensable.

We see such rulers around us. Even political leaders and powerful rich leaders who take advantage of the poor, the weak, and the powerless. These are not the kind of leadership God is pleased with.

Serving others is greatness. The Bible is the greatest manual on leadership and greatness and Jesus Christ is the greatest Teacher and Servant Leader who describes to us what leadership and greatness is all about. To be great, one who leads or rules need not lord over others.

“It shall not be so among you; but whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. Whoever desires to be first among you shall be your bondservant, even as the Son of Man came not to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.”

– Matthew 20:26-28 (WEB)

The world’s definition of greatness is by being the first, on top, and being in authority. Jesus redefined greatness. Greatness is being a servant. To be first, be a servant. Jesus, the King of kings and Lord of lords, the Creator of the universe, came not to be served but to serve. He is the master who served others. He is the leader who served the people.

If we desire greatness, walk in the footsteps of leadership set by Jesus. Follow His example. If we desire greatness, seek to serve others.

If God placed you in the position of leadership, know that your greatness is not in your title or position because these can be changed and lost any time. Your greatness is in serving others.

If you are already in the place of serving others with a glad heart, meek spirit, and quiet voice, then you are in the path of greatness. Continue to serve in love for the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ in the manner God called you to serve.

Finally, If you need to choose for a godly leader, choose someone who serves the poor and the needy. Choose someone who do not lord over others. Choose someone who does not seek greatness by mastering over others.