Leadership Qualities: Positive Attitude Part 6

 Attitude of a Leader-Romans 1:1, 14-16

Paul begins Romans by profiling himself as a servant of the Lord Jesus. Before he is an apostle or a preacher of the gospel, he is a servant. This is the most comprehensive picture of leadership in the New Testament. Paul uses the Greek word doulos, which most often signifies a servant who has willingly and legally bonded himself to a master (Rom.  1:1; Phil. 1:1; Titus 1:1).

The Old Testament gives the Hebrew background for this concept (Deut. 15:1-23). When it came time for a master to release a slave, that slave had two options: Accept his freedom, or remain and serve the master by choice. To stay as a love-slave made him far more useful, since he served willingly. Note how Paul describes this servant attitude:

1. “I am a debtor.” This literally meant he had a debt to pay. Notice it wasn’t a debt he had to the Lord, but to people! He owed those who hadn’t heard the gospel.
2. “I am ready.” The word literally means he was burning inside. He passionately gave himself to the cause by choice. His enthusiasm came in response to God’s grace.
3. “I am not ashamed.” Why not? Because although he was a despised minority within a despised minority, his message brought God’s power to save everyone.

Join me next time for Leadership Qualities: Positive Attitude Part 7