Washed Another's Feet Lately?

I have been thinking a lot about what Jesus said about leadership, If there is one thing that would greatly improve the condition of the world it would be that those who were in leadership positions truly served and thought of themselves as “servant leaders.” In short, to lead as Jesus led. I can see the bumper sticker now, “How Would Jesus Lead?” Well, I think it’s safe to say that most leaders, even those in the church, don’t lead as Jesus led.

After all, Jesus said some very strong and specific things about leadership,

“You’ve observed how godless rulers throw their weight around, and when people get a little power how quickly it goes to their heads. It’s not going to be that way with you. Whoever wants to be great among you must become a servant. (Mark 10:42-45, The Message).

“It’s not going to be that way for you… you must become a servant.” For those of us in leadership positions, (by the way, that’s also raising children) how does this teaching of Jesus inform our life? Have we been able to avoid power going to our heads, throwing our weight around? Jesus led by washing the feet of his followers. You can’t demonstrate what he was talking about better than that! And he tells us to do the same thing (John 13:7-9). This wasn’t to be a literary device or a bit of hyperbole, but rather something we should in fact DO!

Maybe if we all did a little more foot-washing it would keep those of us in leadership positions from getting too big a head. Besides its obvious effect in our workplaces, it would also have tremendous implications for the church. I recently noticed, however, that my Book of Common Prayer does not suggest these passages on foot-washing and servant leadership be read at an ordination or celebration of new ministry.

Perhaps those of us who are church members should require those who wish to be our leaders not only to be faithful in prayer and study of the Bible, but also to be a servant leader like Jesus was. Wouldn’t it be a strong message when we came to church each Sunday if our priest or pastor (and, of course, bishop when he visits) to greet us at the church entrance, kneeling with water basin and towel in hand, ready to wash our feet?

But, of course, we all know why this most likely will never happen don’t we?