Every year, our College joins 33 other Anglican Colleges in a dedication service at St. Andrew's Cathedral. At this service, the students dedicate themselves to leading, and we dedicate them to God for his blessing.
Prior the service I was watching as the students from all the different schools sized each other up – who was the best? Who considered themselves the best. During this process one of our students told me that that humility is such an important part of being a person. You would not believe what the archbishop spoke on…humilty!
1Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, 2 then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. 3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. 5 In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus…
Philippians 2:1-5
The archbishop made some excellent points from this bible passage. He encouraged the students to serve others with humility. He explained to them that positional leadership is the lowest form of leadership and needs to be filled with humble service to earn people's trust. The archbishop also taught them that humility distinguishes average from superior leadership. In the process of leading, he reminded them not to let the tasks ahead make them forget the people beside them. Finally, he warned that leadership isn't about seeking glory but striving for the good of others. It was top shelf training!
Personally, I found encouragement in two things: Jesus illustrated and modeled the humility and leadership he expects from me. Jesus provides me with his Spirit, enabling me to emulate his behavior. While I may not accomplish what Jesus was sent to do, I can fulfill the purpose for which he sent me.
Did you know that we parents are leaders too? Have you considered that God has appointed you leaders of your children? May I encourage you to pattern humility into your parenting style.
