“The greatest among you must be a servant”: The Art and Wisdom of Leadership

Perspective for September 2024

A Monthly Inspirational Viewpoint of Life’s Journeys with Sonia Wignall.
Episode Twenty – Seven

Harriett Tubman, a “freed” slave, was one of the greatest leaders of our times. She said, “if only they
had known they were slaves, I could have freed more of them”. Although this quote is often disputed in
the number of slaves she helped free, the principle on the importance of the state of the mind in
understanding one’s position is an undisputed truth.
On the night when God asked King Solomon, what he can do for him, Solomon powerfully and humbly
responded “give me a God-listening heart (wisdom) so I can lead your people well, discerning the
difference between good and evil, (1 King 3:9). Solomon understood then that wisdom and humility was
required for his leadership.
Although King David, Solomon Father, was considered a man after God’s own heart, he was also a man
weakened by his intimate desires and volatile temperament. God sent the Prophet Samuel to speak to
David regarding the issue of Bathsheba, her husband and her pregnancy. The sins of David with
Bethsheba came reigning down. Bathsheba’s baby died. King Davis wept with sorrow. However, the
lesson of that experience would be lost on David.

King David’s core character flaws remained unresolved.

As a result, God visited King David, reminded him of his sins and told him he would allow David’s son,
Solomon, to build the temple, but David could not do so. God said to me, ‘You must not build a temple
to honor me, for you are a warrior and have spilled blood’ (1 Chronicles 28:3).
It was Queen Esther stepping into the position of leadership, who strategically spoke to the king and
saved her people from annihilation. Abigail intentionally and strategically went to David in humility,
brought the provision he requested and saved her household, husband and servants from bloodshed.
Eventually God killed her husband, and she became David’s wife. Throughout history there are many
stories of great leaders, and stories of bad leadership, and suffering people. A Walmart manager once
told me “People do not leave companies, they leave the management”, they leave leadership.
Many corporations spend countless amounts of money to train leaders. Some focus their training on
productivity, (production, sales and profit). They lead from a profit mindset. Other organizations lead
from a mission mindset equipping leaders to develop others, a domino effect, creating the opportunity
for high level use of core competency for all their employees. Hence aligning the employees’ heart with
the mission statement of the organization.
The Bully Pulpit Leader leads by fear and control. The minds of the people they lead are trained to be
fearful, and believe that only that particular leader has the magic wand and capacity to bring them
peace. That leader gathers around dutiful, obedient and controlled helpers to keep the narrative of
fear alive and the people under obedience and reverence to them alone. This type of leadership can be
seen currently and read about historically, it never ends well.

Unfortunately for that leader and the people, the consciousness that all sovereign power belongs to God
alone will be lost. Suffering must and will surely come to that nation.
In all the wisdom God gave him, Solomon unfortunately, like his father, failed his people through
personal indulgences and disobedience. The protection of God was lifted off their land. The gates were
open for their enemies to enter. The magnificent temple King Solomon and the people built was
destroyed. Many people were killed and many others were taken out of their land and into captivity.
Solomon in all his wisdom failed as a leader, and most importantly as a “servant.”
In, Matthew 23:11-13 “The greatest among you must be a servant. But those who exalt themselves will
be humbled, and those who humble themselves will be exalted.”

The Art of Leadership requires a “Servant’s Heart.”
The characteristics of servant hood should include wisdom, humility, balance, compassion, inclusion and
understanding. Placing the needs of the people you are called to serve above your own desire for
power, this creates an obedient, grateful, joyful, and most powerful spirit. The capacity and wisdom to
receive, consider and implement the counsel of others as needed. Including those that are under your
rulership.
God gives no one man or nation all wisdom. That depth of wisdom belongs to God alone regardless of
your faith.
As leaders we must understand the great gift, power and purpose of the assignment we have been
given. We must understand and acknowledge our own weaknesses, and the humility needed to depend
on and lead in unity with others. As leaders we are given the powerful gift of resources and wisdom
through the people that have been assigned to help us lead. Each bringing a measure of wisdom to the
table. We cannot lead the people in fear, to the pool of fear, and ask them to drink the poison of our
ignorance.
We must be leaders for the greater good, for the people and for the next generation of leaders to
follow. As leaders we are role models and character builders. We are setting the tone and foundation
for the next generation of leaders. Accepting responsibility, and having the capacity to know when to
say “I was wrong”, or I am sorry is not weakness. That level of “owned” responsibility is a sign of
exceptional courage and humility, and servant hood.
Leadership is an art, a creative force, a mystery and most important an assignment.
Through each experience all leaders are in perpetual training, building stronger character and faith. We
can use failures as a source of strength, not shame. We can use these experiences to increase our
awareness of areas that need our attention.
If we remain positioned with a “Servant’s Heart”, history can record us as great leaders indeed. Our
assignment will be fulfilled, and our legacy will serve the next generation of leaders well.
“I learned that courage is not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it”

– –Nelson Mandela

“It takes much courage and wisdom to lead from behind with both humility and power”

—Sonia M. Wignall

Image(s) Attribution: Sonia Wignall