Servant Leadership

As Christian leaders, and business professionals, we add value to others when we do things that God values. I believe that God desires us not only to treat people with respect, but also to actively reach out to them and serve them. This is what I call, Servant Leadership. Scripture provides many examples of this style of leadership, but here is one of my favorites, captured in the Bible version, The Message.

"When he finally arrives, blazing in beauty and all his angels with him, the Son of Man will take his place on his glorious throne. Then all the nations will be arranged before him and he will sort the people out, much as a shepherd sorts out sheep and goats, putting sheep to his right and goats to his left.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Enter, you who are blessed by my Father! Take what’s coming to you in this kingdom. It’s been ready for you since the world’s foundation. And here’s why:

I was hungry and you fed me,

I was thirsty and you gave me a drink,

I was homeless and you gave me a room,

I was shivering and you gave me clothes,

I was sick and you stopped to visit,

I was in prison and you came to me.’

“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’

– Matthew 25:31-40 The Message

The standard for my conduct influences EVERYTHING I do, not just including my leadership, but ESPECIALLY my leadership. Because the more power I have, the greater my impact on others – for better or worse. And I always want to be someone who adds value to others, not takes it away.

I hope you will do the same. Strive to be a "servant leader" by serving, caring, showing respect, and bringing value to others.

Rev. Eduardo "Eddie" Rivero, BTh, MAML

President, The Rivero Group

Executive Director, Christian Chamber of Greater Miami