What about those who have positions of leadership in the working world and the wider society—school teachers, principals, managers, civil servants, cabinet ministers, traditional leaders? How can they show themselves to be disciples of Jesus? How about taking a special interest in children who seem to be rejected by peers and teachers alike? Or eating lunch with the outcasts at the office? Or listening to the stories of those members of society who are usually considered worthless? There is something striking about a competent person, who has the potential to climb far up the world’s status ladder, acting in humility like a small child.
Try to identify ways in which people in your own society commonly seek to elevate themselves above others. Think creatively about ways in which your congregation members—especially those who really do have high(er) status in their cultural context—may demonstrate humility toward others. Emphasize the connection between humility and being a follower of Jesus Christ.
6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.