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
