Washing Feet, Not Climbing Ladders
But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” -- Matthew 20:26-28 (NLT)
Whether you think you are a leader or not, at some point in your life, you will find yourself leading. It may be your own children or a class full of fifth graders. You may lead a two person Bible study or a women’s retreat for hundreds of ladies. You may find yourself an unexpected single parent and responsible for leading your family and making decisions you never thought you would have to make.
Since high school, I have found myself leading, not because I thought I was particularly good at it, but because I was willing to do the work that needed to be done and enlist the help to facilitate it. I am not afraid to make decisions or get my hands dirty, and leadership often requires both.
Studying for a master’s degree in educational leadership required reading multiple books on leadership. There were common threads throughout every title. Not a one of them was being large and in charge. The authors never once said to bully, hassle or coerce your underlings into doing what you tell them. No, the themes were: lead by example, servant leadership, teamwork, commitment to excellence, and encouragement over embarrassment.
What struck me most was how these concepts echoed timeless biblical principles I had already seen lived out in Scripture.
In a nutshell, a good leader needs to be like Jesus.
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had. Though he was God, he did not think of equality with God as something to cling to. Instead, he gave up his divine privileges; he took the humble position of a slave and was born as a human being”. (Philippians 2:3-7)
- Truthful: “I am the way, the truth, and the life.” (John 14:6)
- Hardworking: “The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve.” (Matthew 20:28)
- Flexible: Paul became “all things to all people” to reach them (1 Corinthians. 9:19–22).
- Gentle: “Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart.” (Matthew. 11:29)
- Supportive: Jesus offered a yoke that was easy and a burden that was light (Matthew 11:30).
- Wise and knowledgeable: “The Lord grants wisdom.” (Proverbs 2:6)
- Consistent: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8)
Throughout my sixty-something years of family, ministry, and career, I have seen some amazing examples of leadership, and sadly just as many bad examples. The bad examples disrespected those around them as disposable liabilities. Their subordinates did not generally thrive.
However, I have had the opportunity to sit under leadership whose goal was to equip me in whatever way I needed and support me in being who God created me to be.
The latter were honest, clear in their expectations, and set a good example of servant leadership. Every course correction was given to make me a better person, employee, or minister of the Gospel, and done with gentleness and respect. Their desire was to lift me up, guide me, encourage me, and see my value as an individual or a part of the team.
The second principal I taught under was this kind of leader. Once, she came into my classroom to “observe.” I became a bundle of nerves. I could not find my teaching groove and even commented about how she made me nervous. A while later, a card appeared on my desk. The gist of it was this: Keri, know that I am not here to judge you, but support you. I want to be here for you in any way I can. Please do not look at my presence as an obstacle but part of your support structure.
“Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.” (Ephesians 4:2)
A Christ-like leader serves, uplifts, and reflects God’s character.
I want to sit under a leader who strives to be like Jesus. And when I am called upon to be a leader, I want to be the kind of leader who reflects the Imago Dei… the image and character of God.
Questions for Reflection:
1. Can you think of a person who emulates the leadership traits outlined in Scripture?
2. How have they impacted your life?
3. What can you do to be more like Jesus in your life and leadership roles?
