Philippians 2:4: “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.”  Of course, a leader must look out for himself and his own spiritual and leadership walk before he can lead others.  But, he must unselfishly put the interests of those whom he leads before his own interests just as Jesus did in his leadership.  Jesus is the most exemplary servant leader the world has ever or will ever see.  One of President Teddy Roosevelt’s children once said, “Father always had to be the center of attention.  When he went to a wedding, he wanted to be the bride.  When he went to a funeral, he was sorry that he couldn’t be the one honored.”  We may find humor in this statement, but it reflects a selfish “me-first” attitude.”  It is really saying, “Look out for number one.”  Self can be the center of “Me, myself and I” and others become subordinate and neglected.  I can tell you from many years in leadership that this kind of attitude and leadership will not be effective, will not develop people around you and lacks respect, honor and loyalty.  It will not last.

According to God’s Word, we are not the epicenter of the world and self is not to be the focal point of our lives.  God’s purpose is for us to focus our thoughts, plans and actions on Him and others.  In the book, Purpose Drive Life, author Rick Warren starts with the opening statement, “It’s not about you, it’s about Him.”  If you really look at Jesus’ life, this was what He was saying, It’s really not about Me, it’s about my Father.”  It was also about us whom He loved so much that He unselfishly gave his life for us.  He put others (the whole world) first.  There is one important leadership principle that I learned over the years: “If a leader cares about and loves those whom he leads, they will care about and love him in return.”  They will be there for him because they know and have experienced that he has been there for them.  Don’t forget this important principle of leadership.