Humility.

'Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples' feet...'

Gospel of John 13:3-6

For non-believers, substitute ‘the most powerful entity imaginable’ for ‘God’.

This passage is the ultimate lesson in servant leadership.

Jesus’s immediate response after affirming he is the son of God, and soon to return to God, and has all things under his power - is to do what the lowest of slaves do: kneel before each of his followers and wash the filth of walking the roads of first century Palestine off their feet.

No words. Action.

How many so-called ‘leaders’ are confident enough in themselves and the source of their authority that they are willing to risk humiliation to practically serve others?

When was the last time your boss risked public humiliation to serve you?

When was the last time your boss stooped to clean off the excrement you’d walked through in the course of following them?

When was the last time your boss come into your office and sat down for a chat?

No?

No words. Deeds.

Real leaders are rare.