I recently read the touching story of a company CEO who handwrites a birthday card to all of his employees. While this is certainly a kind and personal gesture, his company has 12,000 employees! He began the tradition in 1985, when his company had a mere 19 employees. As his company grew, he continued the practice, undaunted by the size of the company. Along the way, he noticed something interesting about his employees. They began collecting the birthday cards and embracing the same tradition. “They, too, pass on that to others, and I think, again, a culture is the most important thing for a business and the biggest asset you’ve got is the great people who run the business.”
What began as an act of kindness and thoughtfulness by one man has become the corporate culture and spawned a new generation of birthday card givers. I have never received a personalized birthday card from the CEO of any company I have been an employee, but if I did, I have no doubt I would share this story with as many people I knew. Kindness is infectious and contagious, especially when it originates from a servant-leader.
You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
John 13:13-15 (ESV)
If Almighty God, Jesus Christ, stooped down and began washing my feet, I would be overwhelmed with so many different emotions. I would be embarrassed, confused, and humiliated that my teacher for the past three years, whom I had witnessed countless miracles, was now stooping at my feet and washing them with His own hands. But after thoughtfully reflecting upon what He did for me, how could I not want to do the same and serve others in the same manner that He set such an example? What about the Apostles, were they changed by His actions? They were transformed from a group of defeated and cowering men in a hidden room to boldly declaring that Jesus Christ is God and Savior for all who place their trust in Him. They were transformed from followers who fled when Jesus was arrested, to standing for His Name, even after being imprisoned, tortured, and executed.
How indeed?
Servant-leadership.
Jesus Christ-Fully Man and fully God.
Amen!
Love and trust the Lord; seek His will in your life.
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