Servant Leadership – Leadership That Makes Room for Others (365/264)
True leadership is revealed not by how many people depend on us, but by how many we help grow into their God-given potential.
“…but they were all afraid of him, and did not believe that he was a disciple. But Barnabas took him and brought him to the apostles. “(Acts 9:26-27)
The Bible in Acts 11 records how Barnabbas, a man full of the Holy Spirit, encouraged the believers in Antioch to remain faithful to the Lord (v19-26). Earlier, when the believers in Jerusalem were afraid of Saul because of his past persecution of the church, Barnabas stood up for him and helped the apostles see how God had transformed his life (Acts 9:26–27). Later, he also gave John Mark another opportunity when Paul was unwilling to take him on a second missionary journey (Acts 15:36–39). Barnabas did not ignore people’s failures or pretend that growth was unnecessary. He saw beyond their present limitations and was willing to invest in what they could become.
Jesus modelled this by calling His disciples, teaching them and entrusting them with ministry. He prepared them to continue His work rather than keeping them dependent on Him (Luke 9:1-2; Luke 10:1-2; Matthew 28:19-20)
Servant leadership seeks to develop others, not compete with them.
Pause and Ponder
Do I genuinely celebrate others’ gifts and achievements?
Whose potential can I encourage rather than overlook?
How can I make room for someone else to grow and serve?
We are called to make room for others to learn, serve and lead, rejoicing as they flourish rather than needing to be the most visible or capable.
Lord Jesus, free me from comparison and the need for recognition. Help me Lord, recognise the potential in others and encourage them with grace. Amen.
Extended Reading: Acts 9:26-30; 11:19-26
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