We hear much, today, about Servant Leadership, and we get the idea that it was invented by Jesus. There was a book by that title written in the 1970's, and Ken Blanchard has recently written a book called, Lead Like Jesus. Bill Hybels talks about leading "with a towel over your arm."
What a surprise to find a perfect definition of Servant Leadership in the Old Testament! Rehoboam's elder advisors told him, in response to the assembly of Israel's request, If you will be a servant to this people today, will serve them, grant their petition, and speak good words to them, then they will be your servants forever. ( I Kings 12:7(NASV)To "be a servant" would be an attitude of position, not lording over the people but, …regard one another as more important than himself;… (Phil 2:3bNASV)
To "serve them" would be to provide for their needs, instead of them providing only for his. …do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. (Phil 2:4 (NASV)Their "petition" was not unreasonable, and basically, this means that the leader should listen to his followers - often, they have good ideas
Encouragement, recognition, and affirmation - these are always "good words"Rehoboam listened to the Israelites, led by Jeroboam, as they asked him to "back off" from the harsh ways of his father. He told them he would give them an answer in 3 days. During that time he listened to two groups of counselors - the elders, who had, no doubt, advised his father, and his peers, who would have been close in age to his 40 years. So far, he was exercising good judgment; it was his decision, itself, that was wrong.
Which would you recommend for your son? Mentors your age, or advisors who are your son's age? I don’t know if we have enough information to make a hard and fast rule, but it appears to me, that an adult mentor for a teenage son would be preferable to his taking counsel from his buddies. Rehoboam was much older, but still acted like a teenager, and his spoiled aristocratic friends caused him to act in an arrogant manner. It changed the course of history!Jeroboam led a revolt, which split the kingdom. He led Israel into idolatry, and Rehoboam's rule of Judah was not much better. It was the beginning of the end, even though it took many kings and hundreds of years to wind down.
Who are you listening to? Do you have a team of wise counselors that share their wisdom with you, so that you can make wise decisions?