The Heart of a Leader – Beloved Women – February 1, 2024
READ: “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper. He laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:3-5 ESV)
TODAY'S ENCOURAGEMENT: One of Jesus' most popular acts of service recorded in the Scriptures was his washing the feet of his disciples. As God and teacher, Jesus didn’t have to do this. But he did it to show an important lesson: true leaders serve.
Jesus wasn’t insecure to serve because he knew who he was in his Father. He understood that his value didn’t come from what he did, but from who he was: the Son of God. For this reason, the Bible tells us he knew that he had come from God, and that he would soon return to God. When we understand that our identity is in who Christ is, and not what we do, we don’t get stuck focusing on titles, salaries, and the need to prove ourselves. It no longer matters what others think when we’re secure in what God thinks about us.
PRAY: Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your call to lead and serve. I pray I live out this calling with a full understanding of who I am in you. In Jesus Christ’s name, I pray. Amen.
REFLECT: Are you secure in your identity in Christ as you serve his Kingdom?
CONNECT: Study the Bible with Christina Patterson at www.belovedwomen.tv and connect with her on Instagram @ChristinaHPatterson.
MORE BELOVED: Join Beloved Women for our current online Bible Study “Worth More Than Rubies: A Bible Study on the 7 Virtues of the Proverbs 31 Woman.” Too often when we think of what it means to be a godly woman we focus on what women do instead of who we were created to be. Learn how to cultivate the heart of a Proverbs 31 woman by joining our study “Worth More Than Rubies” at https://www.belovedwomen.org/rubies.
© 2021 by Christina Patterson. All rights reserved.
For more Beloved encouragement including Daily Devotionals, practical advice for everyday Christian living, Bible Studies, and more be sure to visit us at www.belovedwomen.org.
Listen to Beloved Women's Founder & President on her new podcast, Teach Us to Pray!