John Stanko

"A dispute also arose among them as to which of them was considered to be greatest. Jesus said to them, 'The kings of the Gentiles lord it over them; and those who exercise authority over them call themselves Benefactors. But you are not to be like that . . . '" - Luke 22:24-26a.

Some leaders are dictatorial, but in a kind manner. Jesus specifically forbid the benevolent-dictator style, not just for the church work, but for leadership in general. The word 'benefactor' is of Latin origin, the combination of two words 'doer' and 'good.' Leaders who follow Jesus are not to lord it over other people even if they consider it a good deed and in the best interests of others to do so. Why is this? It is because this power, even when used to help the weak, eventually goes to the leader's head and they can begin to believe they are actually better than others instead of simply the servant of others.

LEADERSHIP STEP: There is only one antidote for leadership power and that is practical service. Your step today is to assess your leadership style to determine if you are lording it over people, while rationalizing it by thinking you are doing it in other's best interests. Find some material to read so you can learn more about servant leadership, and then work to incorporate its philosophy into your leadership style.