What are your true colors?
How often do we as servant leaders disguise our true colors? Sometimes we do it to avoid conflict. Sometimes we do it to fit into a company culture that has mistaken religious agnosticism as inclusion. Sometimes we do it because our flaws might be the stumbling block someone uses to reject Christ.
On the other hand, sometimes we show our true colors because conflict creates opportunity for growth. Sometimes our servant leadership fits the company culture - or better yet, changes the culture. Sometimes showing our flaws leads someone to the truth - that we are called to come as we are. (Matt 11:28; Rom 5:8)
As servant leaders, our job is to love those in our sphere of influence with a focus on them and their needs. Do they need an ear? Be the one to listen. Do they need correction? Be the one to guide. Do they need education? Be the one to teach. Do they need to address your shortcomings? Be the one to learn from them.
In Revelation 3, John writes to the Seven Churches. He chastises Sardis as 'dead' and Laodicea as 'wishy washy'. But his words to the Church at Philadelphia are powerful - 'you have been faithful.' He doesn't praise them for wearing their faith on their sleeve. Rather, he praises their patience, their durability, their commitment to the Golden Rule.
So, Servant Leader, be faithful. Be faithful to yourself, to your company, and to your words. But mostly, be faithful to the God who has given you life, who has given you grace, and who has given you the gifts by which you prosper in your faith, your family, and your work. When others see your true colors, make them want to be better - not like you -- like Him.
