Side By Side

Servant Leadership

Scripture Reading

John 13:1-17

Devotional 

Being a leader in todays world means you do what ever it takes to get ahead,  taking out anybody in the way and say what ever you need to.  This method usually leaves a wake of destroyed relationships and missed opportunities.  

Things are backwards in the Kingdom of God.  Jesus came and showed a different model, one that reverses the “me first” mentality to “others first.”  This model is called “Servant Leadership.”  In Luke 9:48  Jesus stated, “For he who is least among you all- he is the greatest.”  The Servant Leadership model enables others to succeed because it intentionally seeks ways to put them first.   Jesus went on to say, “Greater love has no on than this that he lay down his life for his friends,” (John15:13).  We may not get the literal opportunity to lay down our life for another but we can figuratively do this everyday by putting others dreams, needs, and desires before our own. 

Jesus gave us a clear example of this model in the reading today.  The act of washing feet was saved for the lowest servants in the house.  Since the only form of footwear was sandals, feet in the that time were usually covered with dirt and cracked from the dry desert heat.  Could you imaging holding someones crusty dirty feet in your hands as you scooped water over them, only to do it again the next day and everyday after that.  This is why Peter had such a hard time letting Jesus wash his feet.  He knew that Jesus was not a servant and should not be performing this job.  It would be like if the person you looked up to most came and washed your underwear and asked for nothing in return. 

The challenge to live as a servant has continually faced people throughout history.  Those who have exemplified this teaching have influenced the world through their example.  What will you do the next time you see a bowl and two dirty feet? 

-Luke

Fruits of the Spirit

Scripture Reading

John 16:7-15

Galatians 5:16-26

Devotional

After we come into the salvation of Christ we are asked to live a life of holiness and purity.  This calling by God is based out of His love for us that we would be safe and free from the effects of sin.  To live without sin is impossible on our own and requires the help of something beyond our own strength.   When Jesus left this earth He told us that He would send the Spirit of Truth, or the Holy Spirit.  Jesus said that the Spirit would be a counselor, advocate, intercessor, and comforter to us as we journey through life.  It is essential that we take this offer of help and live a life guided by the Holy Spirit. 

Galatians shows how a life that is guided by the Holy Spirit no longer fulfills the desires of the flesh but acts out the will of God.  This happens because the Spirit actually comes in our lives and changes our desires.  These desires are changed because the Holy Spirit reveals truth to us that exposes the lies of sinful living.  Over time as we stay in step with the Spirit we become reflections of Jesus Christ displaying the evidence of Spirit with love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

The most effective leaders throughout history have exemplified these attributes.  Great leaders exist because someone was moved by compassion and rose to the occasion.  John Maxwell put it best, “People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care.”  Our ability to lead grows as we seek Truth and stay in step with the Holy Spirit.  Your true character will be revealed to those you lead.  If we desire to be great leaders we must live a live guided by the Holy Spirit.  

-Luke