Competition for leadership will lead to pride and self-protective behavior. Use any influence you have to serve others well.

Leadership is popularly viewed as a position to be competed for. From an early age, we are taught to think of the leader as the person who is up front, the person that others follow. Children aspire to being line leader, while adults seek a top position. Ultimately, this way of thinking leads to pride and self-protective behavior. This cultural model contrasts sharply with Jesus' teaching on leadership. Which model describes your approach to leadership? How will Jesus' teaching shape your actions?

“What do you want me to do for you?” [Jesus] asked. [James and John] replied, “Let one of us sit at your right and the other at your left in your glory.”—Mark 10:35-37

Prayer: Lord Jesus, transform my thinking about leadership. Keep me from grasping after position. Guard my heart, guard my mind. Teach me to think like You, and to use any influence You give me to serve others well. In Your name I pray, amen.