Above Only Daily Devotional http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly Thursday, MAY 31 Grace for Servant Leadership John 13:3-6 & 8 (NIV)

Above Only Daily Devotional
http://cgmglobal.org/aboveonly

Thursday, MAY 31

Grace for Servant Leadership

John 13:3-6 & 8 (NIV)
Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; 4 so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist... he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet, …. He came to Simon Peter … “No,” said Peter, “you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.”

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We need to consistently renew our minds concerning what leadership is really about. Leadership is about service. Leadership is not about titles, positions, dominating people, or amassing things for ourselves. In Matthew 20:20-21, the mother of two of Jesus' disciples came to him to secure sitting positions for her sons beside Jesus in His Kingdom. In the Good News Bible, Luke 9:46 says, “an argument broke out among the disciples as to which one of them was the greatest.” The foregoing is a good example of what so many people often place their focus on instead of on serving and being a blessing and fulfilling God's purpose for their lives.

Jesus said He did not come to be served; He came 'to serve' and 'give His life' as a 'ransom' for 'many', Matt.20:28. Can you say this about yourself in that leadership position you occupy? What are you giving and do you know that your service is the ransom that needs to be paid to bless and rescue so many people? In our text above, Jesus told Peter that if He (Jesus) does not wash Peter's feet, Peter would have no part with Him. But in our day, the reverse seems to be the case. We tend to make people feel that if they do not serve us, then they are not a part of us. Serve willingly and not because of what you want to get. Do it as unto the Lord. Be an example to those you are leading, 1Pet.5:2-3. Of course, you must correct and provide discipline when necessary but always ensure that you treat your subordinates or followers fairly, Col.4:1. Pray and positively influence and develop their lives.

PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I receive Your grace to be a servant leader. Help me to lead an exemplary life of service to others.

BIBLE IN A YEAR READING PLAN: 2 CHRONICLES 13-14; JOHN 12:1-26

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