"For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Introduction
Leadership can take many forms, but two contrasting styles often observed are servant leadership and self-serving leadership. Servant leadership prioritizes the well-being and development of others, while self-serving leadership focuses on personal gain and power. The Bible provides numerous examples of both types of leaders, highlighting the long-term impacts of their leadership styles. This narrative will explore the differences between servant leadership and self-serving leadership, referencing biblical examples and using the Amplified Bible (AMP) for detailed insights. I recently hosted a long time friend Ken Kencel on a podcast, where he affirmed that a servant leadership is most productive and satisfying and also a prime reason for his unrivaled success in business and also in life
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Servant Leadership
Characteristics of Servant Leadership
Servant leadership is characterized by humility, selflessness, and a focus on serving others. Servant leaders prioritize the needs of their followers, seeking to empower and uplift them.
Matthew 20:26-28 (AMP): "It is not this way among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be your [willing and humble] slave; just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many [paying the price to set them free from the penalty of sin]."
Biblical Examples of Servant Leaders
Jesus Christ – The Ultimate Servant Leader
Jesus Christ is the ultimate example of a servant leader. He demonstrated humility, love, and self-sacrifice throughout His ministry, culminating in His death on the cross for the salvation of humanity.
Philippians 2:5-8 (AMP): "Have this same attitude in yourselves which was in Christ Jesus [look to Him as your example in selfless humility], who, although He existed in the form and unchanging essence of God [as One with Him, possessing the fullness of all the divine attributes—the entire nature of deity], did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped or asserted [as if He did not already possess it, or was afraid of losing it]; but emptied Himself [without renouncing or diminishing His deity, but only temporarily giving up the outward expression of divine equality and His rightful dignity] by assuming the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men [He became completely human but was without sin, being fully God and fully man]. After He was found in [terms of His] outward appearance as a man [for a divinely appointed time], He humbled Himself [still further] by becoming obedient to the Father to the point of death, even death on a cross."
Moses
Moses exemplified servant leadership by dedicating his life to leading the Israelites out of Egyptian bondage and through the wilderness. His humility and dedication to God's commands were central to his leadership.
Numbers 12:3 (AMP): "Now the man Moses was very humble (gentle, kind, devoid of self-righteousness), more than any man who was on the face of the earth."
Nehemiah
Nehemiah showed servant leadership in his efforts to rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. He motivated and organized the people, setting an example of hard work and dedication.
Nehemiah 2:17-18 (AMP): "Then I said to them, 'You see the bad situation that we are in, how Jerusalem is desolate and lies in ruins, and its gates have been burned with fire. Come, let us rebuild the wall of Jerusalem so that we will no longer be a disgrace.' Then I told them how the hand of my God had been favorable to me and also about the king’s words which he had spoken to me. And they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' So they thoroughly supported the good work."
Self-Serving Leadership
Characteristics of Self-Serving Leadership
Self-serving leadership is marked by pride, selfishness, and a desire for personal gain. Self-serving leaders prioritize their own interests over those of their followers, often leading to negative consequences.
Proverbs 16:18 (AMP): "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall." Something my Mother, LaVerne McKinnie used to often remind me of. I miss you greatly, Mom!
Biblical Examples of Self-Serving Leaders
King Saul
King Saul’s leadership was marred by his disobedience to God and his jealousy of David. His self-serving actions ultimately led to his downfall and the loss of his kingdom.
1 Samuel 15:22-23 (AMP): "Samuel said, 'Has the Lord as great a delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as in obedience to the voice of the Lord? Behold, to obey is better than sacrifice, and to heed [is better] than the fat of rams. For rebellion is as [serious as] the sin of divination (fortune-telling), and disobedience is as [serious as] false religion and idolatry. Because you have rejected the word of the Lord, He also has rejected you as king.'"
King Ahab and Queen Jezebel
Ahab and Jezebel’s reign was characterized by idolatry, injustice, and murder. Their self-serving leadership brought severe judgment upon themselves and their kingdom.
1 Kings 21:25 (AMP): "There certainly was no one like Ahab who sold himself to do evil in the sight of the Lord, because Jezebel his wife incited him."
Judas Iscariot
Judas Iscariot, one of Jesus' disciples, betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His self-serving act led to his own demise and is remembered as a grave act of treachery.
Matthew 26:14-16 (AMP): "Then one of the twelve [disciples], who was called Judas Iscariot, went to the chief priests and said, 'What are you willing to give me if I hand Jesus over to you?' And they weighed out thirty pieces of silver. And from that moment Judas began looking for an opportune time to betray Jesus."
The Consequences of Leadership Styles
Positive Outcomes of Servant Leadership
Servant leadership results in trust, loyalty, and long-term success. Followers of servant leaders are more likely to feel valued, empowered, and motivated to achieve shared goals.
Proverbs 11:25 (AMP): "The generous man [is a source of blessing and] shall be prosperous and enriched, And he who waters will himself be watered [reaping the generosity he has sown]."
Negative Outcomes of Self-Serving Leadership
Self-serving leadership often leads to distrust, rebellion, and eventual downfall. While there may be short-term gains, the long-term effects are typically destructive.
Proverbs 29:2 (AMP): "When the righteous are in authority and become great, the people rejoice; But when the wicked man rules, the people groan and sigh."
Summary
The contrast between servant leadership and self-serving leadership is evident in the Bible. Servant leaders, exemplified by Jesus Christ, Moses, and Nehemiah, prioritize the well-being of their followers, leading to trust, loyalty, and long-term success. Self-serving leaders, such as King Saul, King Ahab, and Judas Iscariot, focus on personal gain, resulting in distrust, rebellion, and eventual downfall. Understanding these leadership styles and their outcomes helps believers strive to be servant leaders, reflecting Christ’s example and fostering positive, lasting impacts in their communities and organizations.
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