Service plus sacrifice equals leadership. A genuine Christian leader joyfully serves others no matter the cost and seeks no personal gain. He goes first to ensure that his sheep will be safe and comfortable and leaves last to ensure no one is left behind. When treated as a servant, he rejoices in the spirit and thanks God for allowing him to serve as Christ did. He considers every criticism, opposition, and direct attack as an opportunity to intercede with empathy for those concerned, following in the footsteps of Moses, who interceded for the Israelites while they opposed and accused him. He even rejected God’s plan to wipe away his accusers and make a new nation through him. David interceded for Saul, who was seeking to kill him. Stephen asked God to forgive those who stoned him to death. Jesus Christ interceded for us while hanging on the cross – saying, Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. If you cannot empathize and intercede for your antagonizing sheep, instead you focus on how they are hurting you, then you are not a servant but a hired leader.
