Balancing the Work of Servant Leadership with Rest

Do you ever describe the leadership load that you are carrying as “heavy”? I know that I do. I often find myself exhausted and struggling to juggle the responsibilities of my personal life, work life, and ministry life as a servant leader. The looming question from my flesh is, “Am I enough?” Have I given enough of myself to my spouse, my children, my aging parents, my extended family, my friends, my co-workers, my boss, my church, and my community? Have I been a good steward of my resources today? Robert K. Greenleaf (1977), the founder of the modern servant leadership movement, asserted that there is one question that is the ultimate test of your impact as a servant leader: “Do they, while being served, become healthier, wiser, freer, more autonomous, more likely themselves to become servants?” (p.27). In other words, am I spending myself for the good of all those around me?

I think of what Paul said in his letter to the Philippians when he states, “But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you” (2:17). Paul was undoubtedly a servant leader in that he was not afraid to spend every ounce of his energy for the betterment of everyone around him and the furthering of the Gospel mission even while imprisoned. Sometimes, we, like Paul, are so busy serving others that we feel like we have been completely poured out on those around us. Joy may fill our spiritual hearts as we try with all our might to have a Jesus-size impact, however, our physical bodies grow weary.  Jesus says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). He desires for us to be rested not exhausted.

Just Take a Nap

In all honesty, there are times when one of the most spiritual things you can do for yourself and those around you is to take a nap. You cannot serve others or lead others well when you are exhausted. Recall with me, the example of Elijah’s exhaustion in the book of 1 Kings Chapter 19: He was begging God to take his life away because he was no better than his fathers. What was God’s response? He gave Elijah rest and food.  Elijah napped and awoke to an angel telling him to eat and drink. Once he finished his meal, he took another nap. He woke up from his second nap so strengthened that he walked 40 days and 40 nights. Let’s pause right there for a second. I dare not say that we will walk that far or for that long following two naps; however, I know that we are capable of much greater things when we are rested, and our focus is re-centered on Him.

Withdraw and Pray

Even though the crowds were heavily pursuing Jesus in Luke 5:16, “… Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” He didn’t withdraw and pray only when He had a spare moment here and there. He intentionally set aside time to withdraw from others and seek the Father. When we withdraw from the distractions around us, our hearts and minds are finally free to hear God’s still small voice. Not only did Jesus prioritize praying and talking to God, but he also valued listening to what the Father had to say. In the hustle and bustle of work, family life, and ministry, someone is always pursuing our time and attention. Be intentional in setting time aside to withdraw, listen, and pray even if it is in the car on your commute or in the bath after a long day. It is a powerful way to take spiritual rest in the arms of Jesus.

Cultivate Your Inner Circle

Lastly, surround yourself with people who will encourage you and breathe life into you with their words but will also be brutally honest with you when you have lost your way. Cultivate the relationships with these people as they are your inner circle with whom you feel no obligation to impress. Jesus did not pick wealthy, affluent men to join him in ministry. On the contrary, he chose twelve ordinary, unlikely men and entrusted them with His earthly mission. It was the most important mission in all human existence. Who are those people in your life? The ordinary, unlikely ones you can kick your shoes off with and just let the burdens of the world flow off your shoulders—the ones you can trust with anything.

Greenleaf, R. K. (1977). Servant leadership: A journey into the nature of legitimate power and greatness. Paulist Press.