I want what it mine, now!

Southwest Airlines has a reputation for customer service. My experience confirms that is true. They really do take care of the traveler.  I dug a little deeper and found out that Herb Kelleher, the founder of the airline, adopted a principle called ‘servant leadership.’  Every team member employed by Southwest is expected to do whatever it takes to make the business a success.  So, for example, a pilot may take charge of a young boy who is traveling alone, helping him from one flight to another. It’s not his ‘job’ but it’s part of serving, however, wherever, for the sake of the mission. 

Kelleher says, “I think it’s very important to choose people who have a predisposition to serve others, and it’s hard to be successful if you hire people that are totally self-centered and bent only on serving themselves, so I think the hiring process is very important in that respect. On the other hand, I have seen people come to Southwest Airlines from other organizations that kind of sniff the air a little suspiciously, wondering whether this is real, and then when they find out that it’s real, they love it.”  Apparently the corporate culture he’s created works.  The airline has remained profitable and the employee turnover rate is, far and away, the lowest in the industry.

Servant leadership is a Christian principle!  Jesus taught it and it works – in our homes, in our neighborhoods, in our churches, and yes; in our companies. He said, “Do you want to stand out? Then step down. Be a servant. If you puff yourself up, you’ll get the wind knocked out of you. But if you’re content to simply be yourself, your life will count for plenty." (Matthew 23:11-12, The Message)  

Those who follow Christ take up the towel readily. What do I mean? On the night before His crucifixion, Jesus brought his disciples together for Passover dinner. As they arrived in the Upper Room, there was no servant on hand to wash their feet, the custom of the time.   They were arguing about who was the greatest, the Bible tells us, so none of them was willing to do the lowly task. "So he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, … After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, “Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because it is true. And since I, the Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you." (John 13:4, 12-15, NLT)  That is servant leadership.

Pride is the ever-present opponent of this way of life.  “Take what’s yours,” it whispers. “If you don’t take care of you, who will?” Truth is- God promises to care for those who choose to serve, who give away their lives for His sake. "God blesses those people who are humble. The earth will belong to them! " (Matthew 5:5, CEV) God says that the way up is down, that the route to greatest influence is not through position but rather through service.  Proverbs wastes no words speaking of the results of pride: "Pride lands you flat on your face; humility prepares you for honors. " (Proverbs 29:23, The Message)

Lord, help me to remember the blessings of servant leadership, is my prayer.  Is it yours?

Here is the word from the Word.  May we have the faith to own it and live it. " Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.” Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting all your care upon Him, for He cares for you." (1 Peter 5:5-7, NKJV)