7 Lies Threatening Your Servant LeadershipSample

The Lie of Greatness

You can most easily see the lie of greatness in sports. Sure, it’s amazing when a star athlete breaks records. We watch in awe. But the quest for greatness can also mean questing for that promotion or pay raise. The lie of greatness always leaves something to be desired. And why do we want to be great anyway?

James and John were being taught by Jesus in person. Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Either one of them could have asked for anything. Hello, can I get some wisdom, maybe? Nope, instead they ask for greatness in the form of a seat on either side of Jesus—a noted position of power. You and I must resist the urge to see James and John and think we would have asked for something more worthy of Jesus’s time.

As a leader of one person or one million, you will face the temptation of greatness. If you say this talking point and say it this way, you can project this amount of confidence so followers might see you as their great leader. The preacher who guards his words—not with grace but because he’s angling for the next position at a larger church. The business leader who drives the newest car and wears the perfect suit, not because he’s spent years stewarding his resources wisely, but out of a desire to be seen as great.

You’ve noticed this leader. He’s your real estate agent or your insurance guy. He’s not just at your country club, he’s also in your church. He’s your small group leader or your worship leader. He’s completely enthralled with the idea of recognition and perceived greatness. His stories point only to himself.

Jesus eventually told James and John, “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant” (Mark 10:43). Jesus reveals that the servant leader is different. Greatness doesn’t come from pointing to himself, but away from himself and to Him. You don’t become great by seeking to be served, you become great by seeking to serve (Mark 10:45).

God, please help me resist the pull of greatness for my own sake. Help me serve well without ulterior motives. Help me not have greatness or accolades as my goal but may only love, humility, and service to You be my goal as a leader.