Not so with you

I read a lot of leadership books, and most of them are packed with amazing insights, skills, and tips. But so many times they all have one fatal flaw: they’re only about leading well.

Don’t misunderstand, leading well is critical, and I am my own worst critic when it comes to doing it well, but Jesus brought an upside-down mentality to leadership that rocked the world: leading well begins with serving well.

After hearing His followers arguing over places of power and position — you know, the things we associate with really great leaders — Jesus spoke clearly and without stuttering:

Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, (Mark‬ ‭10:43‬ ‭NIV, emphasis mine)

Not. So. With. You.

Ouch.

Jesus was teaching a new value. He reminded His followers that the world is all about lording power over others, but the Kingdom is all about having a Lord with power over us. Calling Jesus Lord means we can’t act as lords over anyone else. Ever.

That means we don’t use our positions and power to make people do what we want. Instead, we use our positions and power to model for people what Jesus did.

…he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him. (John‬ ‭13:4-5‬ ‭NIV)

Serve well, and you’ll soon find that you’re leading well, too.

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