The Intentional Husband: 7 Days to Transform Your Marriage From the Inside Outනියැදිය

Servant Leadership

Many men misunderstand the biblical concept of leadership in marriage. Jesus provides the clearest picture of true leadership in Mark 10:42-45. After the disciples argued about positions of authority, Jesus explained that godly leadership looks nothing like worldly leadership: "Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all." (Mark 10:43 NIV)

This is the heart of servant leadership. As husbands, our authority isn't about control, demanding respect, or having the final word. It's about taking the lead in serving, in putting others first, in creating an environment where everyone in our home can flourish.

Look at Christ's example in Philippians 2. Though equal with God, He "made himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant." As a husband after God's heart, you lead by emptying yourself of pride and selfish ambition. You use whatever strength, resources, and authority you have not to elevate yourself, but to lift up your wife and family.

Servant leadership means actively looking for ways to support your wife's gifts, dreams, and calling. It means taking initiative in the unglamorous tasks of home life—dishes, laundry, serving your children—not as "helping her out," but as fulfilling your responsibility to lead through service. It means being the first to apologize, the first to forgive, the first to compromise.

This kind of leadership requires tremendous strength and security. Insecure men dominate; confident men empower others. Jesus, completely secure in His identity, washed His disciples' feet. He knew that true greatness comes through humble service, not domination.

Prayer Focus: Father, reshape my understanding of leadership through the example of Your Son. Help me set aside pride and worldly thoughts of authority that burden my marriage. Create in me the humble strength to serve even as I lead. Show me practical ways I can use my abilities to support, empower, and uplift my wife today. Amen.

Reflection Question: What area of our home life have I been hesitant to help with? How can I take initiative in that area with a servant's heart this week?