Servanthood, The Lost Art

Servanthood, The Lost Art

Servanthood represents an attitude of the heart. One must possess a heart for service and a heart for others. However, the attitude of one who serves is only half of the picture - his/her actions complete the cycle. There must be a desire on the part of the servant to seek ways to meet the needs of another. Historically, the concept of servanthood has generated negative implications. Being taken advantage of, physical abuse, and low self esteem were the typical characteristics of servanthood. There are many in society today who still retain these negative images in their thinking. The prospect of being served is far more attractive than being a servant. If the whole truth were told, one must admit there is a feeling of unmistakable satisfaction in having someone willing to meet your needs and satisfy your desires. Being on the receiving end of servanthood requires far less effort and energy than giving service. There is, however, one major problem with this way of thinking. If the relationship between the servant and the one being served isn’t reciprocal, there is a lopsided distribution of benefit. Burnout and resentment on the part of the servant are sure to follow suit.

Servanthood is also often associated with weakness and inferior social status. This inaccurate assessment must be rendered null and void. The process of removing the negative stigma of servanthood begins with a change in thinking. Step two in removing these negative vibes involves putting this new perspective on servanthood into practice in our everyday lives.

A New Perspective

In 1970, Robert K. Greenleaf, former director of management research at AT&T, coined the term “servant leadership.” For more than 3 decades, this paradoxical phrase has redefined the culture of corporate America and its approach to servanthood and leadership. Greenleaf had a desire to bring a renewed spirit and values into the marketplace. He believed that effective leaders lead out of service to their fellow man.

Servant leadership need not be confined to the concrete jungle of the business world. It can and should spill over into every avenue of daily living whether it be family life, religious experience, or community involvement. Consider the dynamic of a modern day family interacting with each other. When every member of the family selflessly takes the time to consider how he can meet the needs of the other members, everyone is satisfied, one person isn’t left to carry the burden alone, and no one feels burned out or resentful toward the member who isn’t “pulling his weight.”

Once an individual renews her mind and changes her thinking about servanthood, she will realize that serving others represents a position of strength not weakness. We all reap the fruit of our labors. The life of Jesus Christ epitomizes this concept perfectly. Without a doubt, Jesus had the ultimate heart of a servant. For years he led his disciples, yet he also took the time to minister to their needs. It requires more character, humility and leadership skills to serve than to take the passive approach and allow others to assume the responsibility.

The world would look completely different (it would in fact be more beautiful) if every human being would draw a symbolic circle on the ground, step inside the circle, and determine that the person inside the circle will practice the art of servanthood. Will you be that person?

"Duty without desire produces drudgery and dread"