Leadership from the Towel Up

“James, a bond-servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ . . .” –James 1:1

Leadership in our world today most often comes from the top down. It is all about power and titles. I know that one of my greatest temptations in life is to get a bigger title or to have more earthly power, or simply to abuse the power that God has entrusted to me.

What is interesting about the book of James is that the author is the brother (technically half-brother) of Jesus. Now that is a title worth having! However, when he writes to these followers of Jesus who are scattered throughout the region, he describes himself as a “bond servant.” Not “James, the brother of Jesus.” Not “James, leader of the early church.” Simply a bond-servant of God. John MacArthr says:

“By taking that title, James numbered himself with those honored not for who they were, but whom they served—the living God.”

James understood that his leadership was not about himself. Rather it was about serving God and others. It was not a top down kind of leadership. Rather, following in the example of his brother, Jesus, it was a towel up kind of leadership.

Who has God put in your path for you to serve through leadership?

Quote from The MacArthur New Testament Commentary: James, by John MacArthur.