If I asked a group of Christian leaders the question, “What is different about a leader in the Kingdom of God?” most, I’m afraid, would get the answer wrong!
And to be honest, I doubt I would have had an excellent answer for most of my career either. For example, I might have answered the question with an important trait, like “A Christian leader is trustworthy.” Or perhaps I would have responded with something more general, “A Christian leader follows Biblical principles.”
Neither answer is wrong as far as they go; it’s just that neither uncovers the essential difference between a secular and a Christian leader.
So, “what is the difference?” you ask.
Jesus tells us the difference between secular and Kingdom leaders as part of a teaching moment with the disciples.
James’ and John’s Foolish Request
Peter rose to prominence among the disciples when he recognized and proclaimed Jesus as Messiah, the Son of God (Matthew 16:16). Jesus affirmed Peter in front of the disciples, saying, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah, for this was not revealed to you by flesh and blood, but by my Father in heaven” (Matthew 16:17).
James and John heard Jesus praising Peter, raising their competitive hackles. Hoping to regain some of their position among the disciples, James and John presumptively asked Jesus to do them a favor; “to do whatever they ask.” Their request was for Jesus to seat them at His left and right hand when Jesus came into His Kingdom (Mark 10:35-37).
When the rest of the disciples heard about James’ and John’s request, they were unhappy!
Jesus then summoned all the disciples to explain the difference between secular and Kingdom leaders.
Secular versus Kingdom Leaders
Jesus taught the disciples, first describing secular leaders.
“You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them” (Mark 10:42).
In the Roman world, power and position were societal status markers. Leaders exercised complete control over their subjects. Their leadership was often brutal and oppressive.
Jesus told them in no uncertain terms; this is not how you should think about leadership (Mark 10:43a).
“Not so with you!” He said.
After rejecting power-based secular leadership, Jesus went on to describe kingdom leaders.
“Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all” (Mark 10:43b-44).
To ensure they got the point, Jesus said even He, the Son of God, came to serve, not to be served.
“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. (Mark 10:45).
So, there you have it. In a few short verses, Jesus tells the disciples they should reject the power-based secular leadership style of the Romans. Instead, as Kingdom leaders, they should seek to lead by serving. As Jesus described His own role as a servant, it is clear the purpose of a Christian leader is to serve!
The distinction is essential. Christian leaders are not leaders who happen to serve. No, Christian leaders are servants who happen to lead.
Kingdom Leader — It’s A Matter of Heart
As a young leader, I didn’t understand or appreciate the distinction between secular and Kingdom leaders.
For years, I led from a position of power and authority. However, as I matured in my leadership, I realized my real leadership strength came out when I focused not on leading but on serving.
In my heart, I switched from being a leader who happened to serve to a leader who served that happened to lead.
Now that you know the difference between secular and Kingdom leaders, how are you leading? Are you a leader who happens to serve, or a leader who serves that happens to lead?
More Articles
I have written several articles on servant leadership. You can find them by typing “servant leadership” in the search bar. Meanwhile, here are a few of my favorites.
- #147: Is Being a Servant Leader Really a Good Thing?
- #238: What Does It Take to be a Godly Leader or Follower?
- #306: What I See in the Rearview Mirror
- #309: Do You Know This Servant-Hearted Seamstress Who Caused A Revival?
- #374: Is Serving What We Are Called to Do?
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. For example, have you worked for secular leaders whose focus was on their power and position? How did their leadership compare to a Christian leader whose primary purpose was to serve?
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Category: Relationships | Servant Leadership
Thanks Ron. Keep doing what God calls you to do everyday. I’m retired now and learning Celebrate Recovery so I can serve better that family.