Christian Leadership Foundations 2 - LoveSample

LOVE IN ACTION

Leadership Devotion

It’s the night before Jesus’ crucifixion, and he has just washed his disciples’ feet. I’m not a fan of having my feet washed in one of those ceremonies that happen now and then in churches. The disciples were much more uncomfortable than me having their feet washed by Jesus. The job of the least significant person in the room was washing feet, not the leader. It involved getting all the mud and dirt (and whatever other muck was stuck there) off someone’s feet after they had walked filthy paths in sandals. It was an unpleasant role. It was a demeaning role. It was an enslaved person’s role. No one was keen to do it, so the group started the meal sitting on dirty feet.

I can understand the disciples’ reluctance. You know what it’s like when you offer to pour a few drinks for people at a large dinner table. Once you start, it’s hard to stop. Whoever began to wash feet would be stuck there forever – 12 pairs of feet to wash. So no one did. Everyone noticed, but no one said anything. There were no servants around. The disciples just lowered their heads and tucked into their meal.

So Jesus got up and washed their feet. He insisted. It was not to make the disciples feel ashamed or embarrassed. He knew this was his role as the most important person at the meal. He genuinely wanted to do this for them. What a wonderful way to show his love before his death, and they would remember this night forever. Jesus, the chief servant, is doing his job. It was his privilege.

Jesus’ washing his followers’ feet was not just a beautiful example of love. It was an intentional action he called his disciples to follow. If the Creator of the universe and final authority and judge washed feet, then that’s the call of every Christian leader. According to Jesus, such humiliation inevitably leads to blessing in our lives and leadership (13:17). It will show we (like Jesus) understand what leadership is all about.

To Contemplate

Where have you “washed feet” in the last week? How can we “wash feet” and lead effectively as well – will it stop us from doing more “important” things?

Leadership Reflection

Christian leaders will show their love in different and unique ways, but I want to provide a few practical ideas that may get you thinking about what you are doing or could do to “wash the feet” of those God calls you to lead. This is not an exhaustive list. I am sure you do many other things to serve people. Here are 25 things I have tried (not always adequately or successfully):

1. Encourage, encourage, encourage. Do everything you can to say positive things to those following you.

2. Write encouraging notes or send encouraging emails. I often do this more formally around Christmas time, but any time is good.

3. Pass on positive affirmations you hear from others. I am not always a natural encourager, but I am good at passing on the encouraging things others say about my team.

4. Show people you are interested in them by visiting them in their workplace or home.

5. Give public credit to others. Talk them up.

6. Point out the potential you see in those you influence.

7. Find regular opportunities to explore personal/family life with those you serve.

8. Spend time with people when they are going through a tough time (sickness, loss, grief).

9. Attend funerals of the family members of your team.

10. Take people out for a meal (or coffee if you are poor) to talk about their work/ministry/life.

11. Socialize with the people you are leading. Hang out with them. Have fun with them.

12. Ring or visit people sometimes instead of texting or emailing or messaging them.

13. Stop to pray for their needs when people share them.

14. Ask people for personal prayer points, pray for them, and follow through on how things have gone.

15. Connect followers to resources that will help them grow and offer to pay for them (seminars, conferences, books, etc.).

16. Be personally honest with followers when they are out of line, but don’t embarrass them in public.

17. Listen carefully to what others are saying and show them you’ve heard them.

18. Put your personal agenda aside when the significant needs of others emerge.

19. Apologize when you may have reacted poorly or mishandled a situation.

20. Protect your team members from bullies (within or without the team). Make sure you’ve got their backs.

21. Try to help those you are influencing to succeed in what they are doing, especially when they are trying something new. Set them up for success.

22. Start a social media group with your team and participate regularly.

23. Treat your followers with grace, even when they don’t deserve it.

24. Be patient and gentle (but not weak) as a team leader.

25. Share your weaknesses or insecurities before asking team members to share theirs.