The story starts with God asking Abraham to leave His tribe to go to a
land God will show him. In response to God's call on his life (Genesis
12), Abraham left in obedience taking along with him Lot (his Nephew),
Sarah (his wife) and a host of servants. We can learn a lot from his
interactions in different situations with the different groups of
people he encounters as he proceeded in his 'pilgrimage'. It takes a
leader with a lot of influence, to lead others into new and uncharted
territory.
Some clear aspects of Abraham's servant leadership ability include:
a. Not afraid of change: With all he had in Ur, Abraham could have
opted for a more quiet and 'certain' path rather than electing to obey
God and go on an adventure into a seemingly 'uncertain' path. It takes
a strong leader to both appreciate and institute change especially
when this wields the potential of having an overall positive impact on
either the organization or church in terms of its objectives and the
people. Abraham knew this change was important, if he, his descendants
and the peoples of the Earth should experience God's blessings
(Genesis 12:2-3), and he was not afraid to lead his people into this
change.
b. Vision: It is clear from scripture, God called Abraham. The
promises God gave him, led him into having a clear vision for himself
and followers. A leader without vision is akin to the blind leading
the blind. We can see elements of his possession of a clear vision,
manifesting in various forms such as;
i- Refraining from inter-marriage with the locals in a bid to keep
away pollution from foreign gods (Genesis 24:3). He will live next to
them and together with his people will have to influence them and not
them influencing him. This was like establishing a line and invisible
line that ensured that their values as a people did not get mixed up
with the values of the people who were now their neighbors.
ii- Purchasing land in Canaan. He knew where God had called him to and
instead of just accepting the land as a gift from Ephron, he insisted
on purchasing it hence advancing his claim on the land. He wouldn't
have done that if he had no long term plans for the land. This also
probably conferred on him some form of political status.
c. Discernment- He lived in an era and country of great idol worship
but was able to both discern the voice of God and obey it when He
spoke. Discernment helped him distinguish between the prevailing
circumstance and the possibilities for a better future. He was not
limited by his current circumstances but was able to discern that he
indeed had heard from the true and living God, leading to his decision
to not only leave Ur alone, but also take his Nephew, Lot with him. If
all he wanted was an adventure or if he wasn't sure about the outcome,
he would have gone alone. His action shows he was completely convinced
about who he had heard from reason why he did not have a 'Plan B'.
Leaders need discernment in order to lead their followers with both
empathy and in paths that will meet their true needs.
d. Influence – He was able to influence his nephew lot to follow him.
Good leaders are able to influence others to follow them. You are not
really a leader if you walk alone. Lot brought along his family and
servants to embark on this 'adventure' with his uncle. We cannot tell
for sure what made Lot to yield to Abraham's influence but there are
certain great servant leadership characteristics such as; humility,
integrity, charisma, good communication ability and positive example,
that will help build a leaders ability to influence. His influence on
his household, including his servants, can be seen in how his chief
servant went about his assigned duty of finding a wife for Isaac
(Genesis 24). It would seem his servants had an important status in
his household and were well trained fighters, as they later helped him
in battle. He had empowered them with no fear of losing power himself.
Armed with an address only, the servant had to count on God and prayed
for every step. He probably learned this complete dependency on God
from his master. Abraham was therefore a great example to his servants
and influenced them through his example.
e. Risk taker –Gen 12:1-3 Abraham, left all he knew and the comfort of
Ur to an uncertain future. He could have chosen the path of least
resistance rather than facing the sure hostility in unknown territory,
but these seemingly did not bother him. From hindsight we know he was
well prepared as he had a formidable army in his servants. Instead of
focusing on the risks, Abraham focused on obeying God resulting to
great benefits for him and his followers.
f. Humility – He sought a practical solution to the dispute between
his and Lots' herdsmen. He could have easily raised the fact that he
was the uncle or the vision bearer or some other lofty idea to get his
way but he instead opted to maintain the good relation between his
nephew and himself.
g. Put others first (Relational) – He allowed Lot to choose first.
Here we see Abraham again consistently applying servant leadership. He
considered their relationship more important than his personal
desires. He placed those he served and their needs at the center. His
desire, to see them empowered is again very clear in this example.
h. Care for others– Abraham's intercession on the behalf of Sodom and
Gomorrah is a good example of servant leadership in action, seeking to
protect its own. He possibly was primarily motivated by the presence
of his Nephew in Sodom, but it is clear he was interceding for the
salvation of all of Sodom and all of Gomorrah. He had true concern for
his neighbors and just didn't live only for his personal benefit and
the enjoyment of his relationship with God. The salvation of the lost
was important for him.
i. Integrity – He refused to accept the 'offer' of the king of Sodom.
This in the sight of probably his servants. How often do we find men
of such integrity? He had purposed it to stay true to the God who had
promised to make him rich, than take a short cut that would taint his
testimony.
j. Unshakeable confidence in God: Even though Sarah was barren, he
trusted in God's promise to make him a nation Gen 15:5-6, Gen 17:4.
His faith in God made God to declare him righteous (v6). We see this
also manifesting when without questioning the instruction he received
to go sacrifice his son, he acted in complete obedience.
k. Good communicator: We see this during his negotiations to purchase
the land and even in his communication with those who were sent to
destroy Sodom and Gomorrah. A good leader should build their
communication skills.
l. Equipped his followers; these (servants and other members of his
household) were able to fight a war and turn the captivity of Lot, his
nephew. This again is a key concept of servant leadership, which we
see Abraham manifesting. He empowered his followers and they were
successful.
Are you a Servant Leader?
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The truth never changes.Do you know Him?
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