"I'm the Leader!...But What is Leadership?"

The action: “After that, he [Jesus] poured water into a basin and he began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” John 13:5

The commission:  “When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. "Do you understand what I have done for you?" he asked them. 13 "You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” John 13:12-17

“I’m the leader!” How often have you heard your kids battle with their friends for this coveted position? If you ask me, the dispute can get pretty heated. Kids end up with hurt feelings and claim that “they don’t want to play anymore”. With everyone (including me) encouraging their kids to “be a leader” these days, I wonder if our kids truly know what that means?

If we look to the example laid out in Scripture, to lead means to serve and give of one’s self selflessly. It’s the very essence of being a mom. We serve our kids in so many ways each day. We cook for them, clean up after them, shuttle them to practices and games, arrange play dates for them, teach them, wipe their tushies (for the little ones), cook some more, clean some more, the list goes on…

We are serving them because we love them, yet we are also their leader. We are teaching them and instructing them in righteousness…all while serving and looking out for their needs. This is the heart of leadership.  Service.

Leadership, oddly enough, also requires submission—submission to the will of the Father. Jesus modeled this perfectly. We are called to follow the example he set. Contrary to the popular saying, we are not the masters of our own fate. True peace only comes from following the Prince of Peace, not from demanding our own way.

So, fellow momma. J Next time you hear your kids arguing about who is “going to be the leader”, take it as a wonderful, God-sent opportunity to talk about the Biblical meaning of leadership.  Let their minds and hearts chew on a new meaning of leadership: service of our fellow man [or woman] and submission to our Heavenly Father.

Let’s pray.

Heavenly Father,

We are so thankful for the wisdom that comes from you. Many times your wisdom runs contrary to the “wisdom” of this world. When the world calls for pride, you call for humility. Thank you for showing us that to lead means to serve. Help us model this truth to our children and instruct them in your ways. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.

 Have a God-filled day! Tune in next Monday for “I’m the Leader Part 2: Making Service Practical for Little Ones”. J