Tag: Servant

Others-Centered

March 28, 2025 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

We cannot emphasize enough the necessity of an others-centered, servant-style leadership. In an effort to establish the point, Victor Cousin said, “Men are governed only by serving them; the rule is without exception.”

While there are many leadership styles, spiritual leadership succeeds by service.

Jesus said, “By this all men know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” In the context, Jesus taught the necessity of being a servant.

If we understand the true definition of Biblical love, we cannot fulfill the new command given by Christ without being a servant that is others-centered.

Servant Leadership

November 4, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

What makes a great leader? Achievement? Financial independence? Educational degrees? Business accolades?

Consider the mindset of a servant leader. A servant leader…

…desires the benefit of others above self.
…focuses on the goal of the whole, not a select few.
…leads with passion and compassion.
…gives more than they take.
…sacrifices willingly and lovingly.
…understands the importance of a good example.
…focuses on every person they meet.
…values every second of every minute.
…follows the greatest leader who was the servant of all!

Leading with Self-Control

May 9, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Self-control is about mastery over self by becoming a servant.

When we understand the fruit of the Spirit as qualities demonstrated outwardly, towards other people, it can be confusing when we come to self-control. We often see this more inwardly focused.

This is an incorrect assumption. Self-control, like the rest, is to be focused on others, or “others-directed.” I like the term “others-centric.”

It should stand to reason that if we are others-centric we would cultivate the self-control we need, not with self as the focus but with the focus on others.

This quality will not allow us to be self-centered.

Eliminating Self

January 31, 2024 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

When our speech (spoken or written) is filled with personal pronouns, e.g. “me,” “myself,” and “I,” then leaders need to step back and evaluate what, or perhaps more appropriate, who they are promoting.

The strength of spiritual leadership must be focused on the good of others, even at the expense of self.

Jesus taught the need of being a servant (Jn. 13), He used the term love regarding a new commandment.

This type of leadership testifies to our discipleship of Jesus.

How do we demonstrate love if our words and actions are self-serving?

Leadership is filled with its challenges, not the least of which is serving self.

Motivation

September 6, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

What motivates you?

The New Testament provides several counter-cultural examples to help us learn the power of motivation.

The motive for being first or greatest in the kingdom is about being a servant of all.

The motive for receiving is based in presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice to the Lord.

The motive for being blessed is about giving to others rather than receiving.

The motive for not forsaking our assembling together is through exciting others to love and good works.

Do we motivate others toward desired interests? Do we set the example based on what motivates us in the same direction?

Servant Leadership

May 22, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

What qualities describe the perfect leader?

One quality, exemplified by Jesus, that seems to rise to the top is a servant’s heart.

Here are a few lessons to learn from His example:

1) Servants do not look out for their own interests, but seek to put others above themselves (Phi. 2:3-5).

2) Servants are aware of the present circumstances and extend a solution to the need (Jn. 6:1-14 cf. v. 5).

3) Servants never seek opportunity for their own glory, but look to glorify God (Mt. 5:16; Jn. 8:49-59).

These three ideas provide ideas worth exploring to improve our leadership.

Actions and Motives

March 22, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Leaders give of their time and ability to help others. It demands their attention and willingness to see others reach their greatest potential. Whatever it takes becomes the mindset of spiritual leaders who sacrifice their own will for the will of God.

The idea of selflessness is so interrelated it becomes difficult to distinguish. However, the difference is seen in the action of one and the motivation in the other. Effective leadership will make sacrifices, but the reason they make them is the selfless heart of God’s servant.

These two concepts speak for themselves, but the related ideas help all of us lead with the right actions and motives.

John…Part 2

January 25, 2023 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

John’s writings identify the type of leadership he provided for the church. As I mentioned last week, several of these qualities provide an example for us today.

Fellowship: John understood the value of fellowship among Christians and with the Lord. He urged Christians to walk in fellowship with God and each other.

Vision: John knew the future of the church depended on men who were willing to work in the fields of harvest. He also knew such men needed support.

Servant: John’s writings about Jesus as a servant were followed by his own example to the church. Reading through his letters shows the qualities of a servant leader.

Leading by Example

September 16, 2022 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

The idea of setting an example for others is nothing new. Nestled in this principle is an understanding of influence. We influence people everyday. Some we influence for what is right and some for wrong. The difference is based in our example.

Setting an example is connected to consistency. Mahatma Ghandi is noted as saying we must become the change we want to see.

Setting an example is also associated with servanthood. The only time Jesus gave an example He said to follow was related to being a servant.

To be the leaders God needs today, we need to understand the significance identified with setting the example.

Servant Leaders

July 26, 2022 bobturner Daily Leadership, saltJournal 0 Comments

Leadership is not a located idea. Leadership is universal in application and is not limited to race, gender, age, or position.

Anyone can lead from anywhere.

We must continually learn from others about leadership. When we learn about the sacrifice, dedication, passion, and attitude of true servant leaders, we should be encouraged to do the same.

They give their lives to prepare others.
They dedicate their time to the work.
They love their people.
They work to serve, not to be served.

The example provided by them demonstrates the character needed for those who learn from them.

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