My one word for 2011 was … serve.
June marked the halfway point, and as we move from 2011 to 2012, I have some thoughts to share.
We tend to look at the word “serve” in one of two ways. Either we serve ourselves, or others serve us. If it’s the former, then it’s about looking out for what we want or need, or what those closest to us want or need. If it’s the latter, then it’s looked down upon in a worldly sense if you are the one serving, and it’s held up in a worldly sense if you are the one being served.
Both ways are wrong.
True leadership, true love, is to serve. It matters not what you do for a living, who you do or don’t interact with on a day to day basis, how much you may be worth in a financial sense, or how little you may have in terms of material possessions. True leadership, true love, is to serve – not yourself, but others – completely, entirely, fully.
Him first, others next, and myself last. I either get that or I don’t. I either do it, or I don’t. It’s a daily struggle, and the closer I get to living out what I profess to believe, the more I’m living out what it truly means to serve. I choose to go against the grain, and it’s refreshing and full of blessing. Come with me.
I really enjoyed this article. I am often discouraged when there is always so much emphasis on leadership and pressure to be at the top of the class or the best. It’s just as important to be a gracious followerer and servant. By showing your willingness to serve others, you are showing amazing leadership.