Elisha

Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah.

2 Kings 3:11

Good to Great, the best-selling leadership and management tome by Jim Collins, talks about Level 5 leaders, men and women in business who effectively combine humility with drive. Level 5 leaders aren’t concerned about claiming credit for success. They genuinely care for others, yet they passionately want their companies to succeed, and they work hard to make it happen.

Elisha was a Level 5 leader, one of the most powerful and effective men in the Old Testament. He was a miracle worker who stood unflinchingly in an evil nation of Baal worshipers. We first see him described as Elijah’s servant (1 Kings 19:21). He is later portrayed as the man who poured water on Elijah’s hands—Elijah’s attendant. His willingness to perform menial tasks prepared his heart for his later exploits for the Lord.

Don’t worry about claiming credit for any success that comes your way. The real question is, Are you pouring water on someone’s hands? Are you helping another person with his or her own work today? Are you a servant?

I long to accomplish great and noble tasks, but it is my chief duty to accomplish humble tasks as though they were great and noble.

HELEN KELLER