Servant Leadership
When Solomon died, his son, Rehoboam, became the king. He was inexperienced, and he did not ask God for wisdom like Solomon. When the people came and asked him to lighten the burden upon them, he asked his father's advisers how to answer the people. They gave him a very valuable lesson in leadership. (I Kings 12:6,7) We all need to keep this lesson in mind.
Solomon's advisers told Rehoboam to be a servant to the people. Most rulers want to lord over the people and make everyone serve them. However, that is never the best way to lead people. If a leader will serve the people, they will be loyal and serve him as long as he lives. Being a servant includes answering their questions and speaking good words to them,instead of berating them. In other words, the servant leaders shows his care for people by doing what is in the best interest of the people. He thinks of them first and himself second. He respects the people enough to answer them fully, and he uses the right language to display respect. If a leader will follow those guidelines, the people will be motivated to be servants, too. They will do even more than he expects, and they will follow his leadership well.
Unfortunately, Rehoboam did the opposite, because his younger advisers told him to increase the burden on the people. When he did that, the kingdom split into two kingdoms leaving Rehoboam with only two tribes to rule. That is what happens with overbearing, self-centered leaders.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 13-16.
Solomon's advisers told Rehoboam to be a servant to the people. Most rulers want to lord over the people and make everyone serve them. However, that is never the best way to lead people. If a leader will serve the people, they will be loyal and serve him as long as he lives. Being a servant includes answering their questions and speaking good words to them,instead of berating them. In other words, the servant leaders shows his care for people by doing what is in the best interest of the people. He thinks of them first and himself second. He respects the people enough to answer them fully, and he uses the right language to display respect. If a leader will follow those guidelines, the people will be motivated to be servants, too. They will do even more than he expects, and they will follow his leadership well.
Unfortunately, Rehoboam did the opposite, because his younger advisers told him to increase the burden on the people. When he did that, the kingdom split into two kingdoms leaving Rehoboam with only two tribes to rule. That is what happens with overbearing, self-centered leaders.
Tomorrow, I intend to read I Kings 13-16.