One of the most profound, important things I have ever learned is that you cannot effectively lead if you don't serve first.
The reasoning behind this comes from the saying, "Lead by example." People don't want to follow someone who hasn't gone there before. They are more apt to trust and listen to someone who has been there, experienced the situation, understands what they are going through, and has the knowledge and wisdom to handle the situation.
Jesus knew this concept perfectly. He was the picture of servant and leader. By the end of his time on earth, he had many followers. And yet he was always the first to comfort people, the first to lay hands on people. He'd wash his disciples' feet, he wouldn't pick and choose between needy people, etc, etc. No matter how famous he got, He never stopped serving those he led.
The problem today is that when people are put in a leadership position, they let it get to their heads. They may have a lot of skill & experience, they may be good at bossing people around, but there's a lot more to being a leader than that. An effective leader has followers who trust and respect him or her. And you build that trust and respect by serving. Being the leader doesn't make you better than everyone else, just in charge.
My challenge for you today is this: Swallow your pride. Do some work. Set an example. If you want people to follow you wherever you go, learn to serve them first. You'll find that they'll follow you without you having to say a word.
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