John 13:15: “For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” The leadership challenge this week focuses on your leadership role as a parent. With Christmas only a month away, I am reminded of how most parent’s handle Santa Claus and how small children are fooled until someone tells them that Santa Claus is really their parents. However, in life and home you cannot fool your children. We are the real you and me at home where our daily lives are an open book. “Do as I say, not as I do” won’t be accepted. What we do can be so powerful that it can destroy everything we say. We must live out what we say and what we believe about God’s Word. We are to model a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ. If not, our children will not be fooled and have less chance of living for Christ. We are their example and role model just as Jesus is to us and called us to be. 

Our Scripture this week calls us to live according to the example Christ gave us when He made this statement after having washed the feet of his disciples. He was instructing us to follow his example of servant leadership and love. Do you remember how you reacted when you found out about Santa Claus after being fooled for a period of your young life? Or, what about your children? Both times you were probably disappointed. Do not live a life that is fake and tries to fool others in how genuine you are when your actions are not consistent with Christ – when your life, behavior and actions do not match your words. Disappointment and impact will be the result and the people you lead will not be fooled. We are not to be a Santa Claus, but a Jesus.