Our Daily Bread: Character-Driven LeadershipSample

Flipping the Power Structure

After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet. -John 13:5

Dr. Jim O’Connell planned to become an oncologist when a mentor suggested he work at a homeless shelter for a year. The head nurse there told him to set aside his stethoscope and instead soak feet. The gesture flipped the power structure, putting the patient in charge and building trust. Patients shared their needs and received the care they needed.

Leaving a position of power to serve others can be uncomfortable, can’t it? Becoming the student instead of the teacher, the one being led rather than the leader, can challenge our security. We assume that we best honor God and lead others to know Him by being in charge. Yet, what if we better demonstrate our love for God and model His character by bending to serve others?

In His final hours on earth, Jesus flipped the power structure, demonstrating to His disciples what real love and leadership looks like. “Jesus knew that the Father had given him authority over everything and that he had come from God and would return to God. So he . . . took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet” (JOHN 13:3–5).

Secure in His identity and His relationship with the Father, Jesus stooped to model before His disciples how to truly love and how to draw others to God.

ELISA MORGAN

How might we serve others in order to build trust and introduce them to the One who loves them so? How might God use our service to help others trust, in order to believe?

All-powerful God, thank You for sending Your Son as the ultimate Servant so that many might see Your love and trust in You.