What dirty feet can teach us about leadership
May 9, 2022•219 words
“Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet.”
John 13:13-14 KJV
Jesus did the "dirty work"
This story occurred at a time when walking was a common form of travel. When you visited someone's house, it was customary for the servants of that house to wash your feet.
Knowing this, Jesus got on his knees, took and rag and prepared some water, and washed his disciples' feet. What a powerful demonstration of servant leadership!
Change must come from the top down. Leaders must set the standard.
No role is “beneath” a leader. While leaders should delegate so they have time to lead, they should never view a task as “beneath them.”
Jesus "owned" his leadership
Jesus embraced leadership title or position because it was true. He did not assume false humility or shirk the title. James says we must not be many masters because we’ll be held to a higher standard of expectations.
But, that doesn’t mean we should reject all leadership positions. If God has called us to a leadership role, we must accept it and not attempt to run from it under the guise of false humility.