Proverbs 20:7
“The righteous man walks in his integrity; His children are blessed after him.”
As we celebrate Father’s Day today, it is good to be reminded of what the Lord has to say about those who are in positions of leadership in our families—all fathers and grandfathers. Jesus was asked by one of His disciples about who would be the one to lead their group. Jesus answered, and I am paraphrasing here, “The one who serves you best shall be your leader.” By combining two keywords, we arrive at the phrase “servant leader.”
What does it mean to be a servant leader? In their book, Lead Like Jesus, authors Ken Blanchard and Phil Hodges share this, “The fruit of great servant leadership is realized when a leader seeks to send the next generation of leaders to meet the challenges of their season with all the wisdom, knowledge and spiritual resources he (or she) can provide.” I believe this is what sets my husband apart as an example of a man who leads like Jesus—his devotion to his family, his God, his country, and to all the men and women put in his charge—his “servant leadership.”
As a father, he faithfully passed down to our two daughters all the wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual resources he could provide so that they could meet the challenges, bear much fruit and, in turn, pass them to their own children. Through the years, he has been sought out by others who seek to benefit from his wisdom, discernment of spiritual truth, sense of humor, and ability to recognize problems and find solutions. I believe the fruit of his servant leadership will live on in the lives of many who have been influenced, taught, mentored, discipled, served, and loved by him. Those in our family, including those in the Navy and the secular workplace, as well as in our various churches and neighborhoods, have all been touched by this remarkable servant leader. May he continue to be used by God and bear much fruit in the years to come.
Wherever God has placed them to live out their lives, may this generation of fathers and grandfathers be inspired to lead like Jesus as servant leaders in our churches, neighborhoods, schools, and workplaces, for the sake of the next generation. Happy Father’s Day!
Our Father in heaven, thank you for giving Jesus as a model of servant leadership, which is much needed by men in today’s world. We pray that earthly fathers would seek to follow His example by gaining all wisdom, knowledge, and spiritual resources to equip them for the challenges ahead, not only in their own lives but for the sake of all those they lead, even to the generations to come. In the name of Jesus and for His sake we pray. Amen.
I am honored that you have taken the time to read my devotion today, and I pray it brings you encouragement and glorifies God. To receive Devotions For All Reasons in your email every day, go to the homepage and simply click on “Subscribe.”
