In Mark 2:23–28 Jesus confronted the religious leaders who had criticized his disciples for picking a few heads of grain on the Sabbath. While the law forbid harvesting on the day set aside for rest, these leaders had completely missed the point. The law had been established to ensure that masters didn’t become greedy or overwork their servants. Everyone was given time on a weekly basis to rejuvenate both spiritually and physically. In fact, the Sabbath day practice was established for humanity’s wellbeing. The religious leaders, however, gave precedence to ritual over needs. They were not guided by love, the intent of God’s law. Serving leaders are always careful about establishing and implementing protocols. They remain focused on their mission by appealing to the purpose of a rule rather than to the rule itself. Don’t let rules, rituals, or protocols hinder the ultimate law of loving service. Provide rather than prohibit.

Lead, love, and serve, like Jesus!

KEY QUESTIONS: Have I ever experienced leadership that emphasized rules and protocols at the expense of my wellbeing? How about the opposite? If the latter, what damage was done by not observing the rules’ requirements? As a leader, how might I establish and implement a necessary rule or protocol that ensures its purpose is never compromised?