Brother Leo
From time to time with the GDA, I will share something that I have written in the past because it is relevant to something that I maybe dealing with today… or feel like I’m being lead to share it again.
Today’s GDA is a little different in that I did not write this one but feel lead to share it (share it again) just the same.
I read it a number of years ago and it illustrates (at least to me) a topic that often comes up in the GDA ~ “Why We Do What We Do”.
BROTHER LEO, THE SERVANT LEADER
A legend tells of a French monastery known throughout Europe for the extraordinary leadership of a man known only as Brother Leo. Several monks began a pilgrimage to visit Brother Leo to learn from him. Almost immediately, they began to bicker about who should do various chores.
On the third day they met another monk going to the monastery, and he joined them. This monk never complained or shirked a duty, and whenever the others would fight over a chore, he would gracefully volunteer and do it himself. By the last day, the others were following his example, and from then on they worked together smoothly.
When they reached the monastery and asked to see Brother Leo, the man who greeted them laughed.
"But our brother is among you!" And he pointed to the fellow who had joined them.
Today, many people seek positions of power, not so much for what they can do for others but for what the position can do for them: status, connections, perks, advantages. If they do service, it's as an investment, a way to build an impressive resume.
The parable about Brother Leo teaches another model of leadership, one based on the fruit of the Holy Spirit. This leadership is preoccupied with serving rather than being followed, with giving rather than getting, with doing rather than demanding. It is based on example, not command.
This is called servant leadership.
-- Adapted from a parable compiled by Michael Josephson.
Keep the Faith... Carpe Diem
“For by the grace given me I say to every one of you: Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the faith God has distributed to each of you. For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.
Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” - Romans 10:3-21 NIV
