Leadership is often thought of in terms of power, titles, and achievements. But for Zephaniah “Khalid” Mesa, leadership is something far more profound: it is service rooted in faith. He believes that while positions and authority can give someone influence, only humility and service can make that influence meaningful and lasting.
“Money, power, everything—these test a man’s character,” Khalid reflects. “But true greatness, as Christ himself said, is found in becoming a servant.”
This perspective is not just theory for Khalid—it is lived practice. He makes a conscious effort to serve the people around him, whether at work, in his community, or in his church. From simple acts of hospitality in his home to larger decisions in his business, his guiding principle is the same: authority should never make one arrogant; it should make one more ready to serve.
He turns to Scripture for wisdom, quoting Matthew 20:26: “Whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant.” To him, these words are timeless and radically countercultural. In a world that celebrates dominance, recognition, and success, Khalid insists that true leadership is measured by how well one lifts others up.
This conviction is also evident in his decision-making. “There are only two masters in this world—God and money. You just have to choose one,” he explains. Every choice, whether small or major, is guided by this principle. For Khalid, faith is not confined to Sunday worship or prayer time—it informs his leadership, his relationships, and even his approach to business.
“Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God,” he cites. “That means even in business, even in the way you lead people, it should always glorify Him.”
Beyond Titles: Leadership Rooted in Faith and Service
Success, as many define it, is measured by material gain or public recognition. For Khalid, however, success is measured differently—as a life aligned with God’s calling. When asked what he considers his greatest success as a follower of Christ, he does not list accolades, wealth, or achievements. Instead, he points to the transformation of his priorities and the intentional way he now leads his life.
“Anyone can worship, but not everyone becomes a disciple,” he shares. “Followers can admire from a distance. But disciples live with discipline. They obey, they keep His commandments, they align their lives to His purpose.”
This distinction between being a follower and a disciple is central to Khalid’s philosophy of leadership. In his view, leadership without discipline and humility risks becoming authoritarian, self-serving, and hollow. Christ’s example—born in a manger, working as a carpenter, living with humility despite supreme authority—reminds him that true greatness lies in serving others.
Leadership, then, is not a ladder to climb but a responsibility to carry. Titles and positions are temporary, but the impact of a servant heart is enduring. Khalid emphasizes that God never commanded humans to have dominion over one another. Instead, each person is called to lead by example, to steward resources wisely, and to serve their community.
His own life reflects this balance. He admits that before his deepening faith, his ambitions were once driven largely by money and personal success. But faith shifted his perspective: “Now, every business I build, every project I pursue, has to be intentional—it must have a purpose beyond myself. Whether it’s supporting scholars or helping families, I know it’s not just for me. It’s for God.”
For Khalid, leadership is also a lifelong journey of discovery. He compares life to a puzzle—piece by piece, God reveals His greater plan. “As time goes by, I’m understanding more about why I’m here,” he shares. “Everything that happens—my experiences, the people I meet, the opportunities I receive—are all part of God’s bigger purpose. And as long as I align myself to Him, my calling becomes clearer.”
He draws inspiration from Romans 8:28—“And we know that all things work together for good, to those who love the Lord.” This verse reminds him that every challenge and triumph, when anchored in faith, contributes to a greater purpose.
Khalid also cites Jeremiah 29:11: “For I know the plans I have for you… plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” These words, he says, are not just promises but guiding truths that shape the way he leads and serves.
Servant Leadership as a Lifelong Calling
Khalid firmly believes that everyone is mandated to lead in some capacity—not necessarily by holding high positions, but by living lives of integrity, purpose, and service. Leadership, he says, is not about being superior to others but about influencing through example and humility.
“We are equal—only God is superior,” he emphasizes. “So you can’t say that you’re more powerful than others. To be a great leader, you must be a servant. That’s the secret.”
In a world that often equates leadership with authority and control, Khalid offers an alternative vision: leadership rooted in faith, shaped by values, and proven through service. His journey shows that while titles and positions may fade, a legacy of humility and service remains.
“Greatness is not prohibited in the Bible,” he concludes. “But to be truly great, you must be a servant. That is the essence of real leadership.”
A Legacy of Faith and Service
Khalid’s journey makes one thing clear: leadership is not measured by how many people follow you, but by how many lives you choose to serve. Titles may open doors, but it is faith, humility, and consistency in values that build lasting legacies.
He reminds us that power and recognition are fleeting, but service leaves an imprint that endures through generations. “Greatness is not about rising above people,” he reflects. “It’s about walking with them, lifting them up, and pointing everything back to God.”
In the end, true leadership is not about crowns or positions—it is about character. It is not about claiming authority—it is about giving yourself in service. And perhaps the greatest measure of a leader’s success is not found in titles, wealth, or influence, but in the quiet testimony of lives transformed through faith.
Khalid’s story challenges every aspiring leader: to lead with faith, to walk with humility, and to serve with love. For in choosing to serve, we do not diminish our greatness—we discover it.
