A Good Team Captain

Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else.”

Lola was chosen by her coach to be one of two team captains for her school’s softball team. Her coach told her they picked her because she was such a good friend to everyone on the team. She was honored to be chosen but also felt a little insecure about the position. Will they accept me as the captain or criticize me?

That afternoon she found her dad sitting at the kitchen island and asked him what he thought.

“I think it’s a good thing, as long as you know what it is to be a good captain,” her dad said.

“What do you mean?” she asked.

“Well, let’s talk about what makes a good leader.”

As they talked, Lola noticed that the qualities of a good leader were also the qualities of a good friend: a good leader 1) cheerleads and encourages others; 2) listens compassionately and helps those who struggle; 3) thinks about how others feel; and 4) understands that the team as a whole is stronger than the individual parts. A good leader doesn’t 1) criticize, belittle, or make fun of others; 2) talk about teammates behind their backs; 3) ignore those needing help; or 4) refuse to listen to others’ concerns.

Lola and her dad discussed all these points, and then he said, “Being a leader, just like being a friend, really isn’t about you, but about the people you are serving. I think you’ll make a great captain because you are kind and loving and willing to help others.”

We can all show the traits of a good leader and friend, whether we are a team captain or not. As girls who love Jesus, we are asked to be an example of him to others. We can be the first to exhibit the characteristics of a leader who serves those around her well.

Things to Think About

• Have you ever thought of yourself as a leader? Why or why not?
• Which of the traits of a good leader listed earlier in this devotion do you do well? What would you like to continue to work on?

DAILY ACT OF FRIENDSHIP

Be the leader and friend God designed you to be by picking one of the good traits from this devotion and offering that to the friends around you.