[This is my eighth post of ten in my “Vintage Wednesday” series on “Leadership Authority,” re-written/updated from a blogpost back in May of 2011.]

The eighth of Watchman Nee’s Ten Commandments of Spiritual Authority states that:

8. Spiritual authority is never exercised for one’s own benefit, but for those under it.

The greatest model of this ever is Jesus of Nazareth. Entering our world as a vulnerable little baby and choosing poverty for circumstances rather than a palace, Jesus demonstrated that he wouldn’t take advantage of his heavenly position (Philippians 2:6).

In Matthew 20:25-28, he instructed his disciples on authority: “You know that the rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be your slave—just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”

It’s quite clear, both from Jesus’ life and his teaching, that authority is not to be exercised for one’s own benefit but rather for those under it.

I’ll never forget a pastor’s wife telling me how she served the women in her church by scrubbing their toilets and floors when they were in their final trimester of pregnancy. Such a practical example of service! What might you do practically speaking to serve those under you who look up to you as their authority—whether in family, non-profit, or business? (Send me an email of your ideas or a story of someone who used their authority to truly benefit others) 

PS. I've written a “Serving Leader's Devotional” available here.