Do you remember playing “Follow the Leader” as a kid? I do. And while I don’t necessarily remember enjoying it, I do remember that I much preferred being a follower. I have never thought of myself as “leadership” material. I am still that way to this day. I don’t like making decisions, big or small, nor do I like telling other people what to do. It’s just my introverted personality and the way that I am wired.  

But, I have always enjoyed helping other people. As an adult, I have realized that I am a “worker bee” – that is someone who gets things done. I like to stay busy and do what I can to help out others along the way. And, as a child of Christ, I have learned another way to start looking at this: I can be a servant leader. (Or, I can try to be!)

That is exactly what Jesus was—a servant leader. And, what better example to follow that that of Jesus Christ?

In Mark 10:42-45 we learn that Jesus came to serve others.
Jesus called [the disciples] together and said, “You know that those who are regarded as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them, and their high officials exercise authority over them. Not so with you. Instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.

In John 13:3-5 we actually see Jesus humbling himself and putting his service into action. It was something that his disciples were not expecting.

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, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him.

After reading this, I quickly think about the quote from Saint Teresa of Avila where she tells us that Christ has no body on earth but ours, no hands but ours, and no feet but ours. We need to use our body, hands, and feet to go about doing His good work. The question I have is, is what work should we be doing and where do we start? The easy answer, for me anyways, is to follow the leader. That leader is Jesus. Follow Jesus’ example. His many examples. Do what he did and you can’t go wrong.  

I know, I know. Like most things in life, this is easier said than done. But, this does give you a place to start. Take some time to read your Bible each day. Look at what Jesus did. Try to follow suite. This little game of “Follow the Leader” is much more productive and rewarding than the version we played as kids. Plus, you not only get to bless others by doing this, but others will see Christ through you. And, God will bless you for the work you do. It is a game where everyone wins!

They say that the devil is in the details. I beg to differ. I think that God is in the details.

It may seem like no big deal to you, but that smile you offer up to a stranger as you walk past, could mean a lot to them. Being friendly, nodding hello, or a smile – these are small ways to bring joy to others. I am not sure if you have noticed this about me yet or not, but I am big into the Golden Rule. In the last week or so, I have also been deliberately making an effort to look at others as Jesus would. I am trying to be nicer. I am trying to be more forgiving. I am trying to be more compassionate. I am trying to spread more joy, because I want more joy.

(The key word here is trying. This is not as easy as it sounds. Especially with certain people—those that are not nice to us or those that don’t treat us with the respect we deserve. I often have to remind myself to be nice. I appreciate when others are nice to me, so I want to do my best to treat others the same way.)

A lot of life is in the little details. That is why doing small things for others is so important. So, I want to remind you today that you should be doing the small things. And, make sure you do them on purpose, with love in your heart. This is the stuff that makes life more meaningful. And, the small things really do add up to big things. I truly believe that if you consistently do small, good things for others with love in your heart, you will live a profoundly more meaningful and successful life.

Start thinking about the small things that others have done in your life that were meaningful and/or brought a smile to your face. I am sure you have had many people over your lifetime who have done small things to help you along your way. So, start returning the favor. When you come across someone, start thinking in terms of, “How can I help you?” Or, you can think of it as how you can add value. It doesn’t matter how small the task seems, by doing it in the right frame of mind—on purpose, with love in your heart, is a great way to raise the “joy” quotient in your life. (And, theirs too!)

If you are seeking to really make a difference in this world, this is an easy and sure-fire way to do it. By doing these good, small things each day, you are giving the gift of yourself, you are adding value, and you are contributing to the greater good of society. Lead by example. Make it what you are known for. I know you have it in you! Let God shine through!