Sometimes we’re called to lead by example.

I recently led a team from our church down to Ensenada, where we worked with YUGO ministries to build a house for a local pastor and his family. Our first day on the job site, the family prepared lunch for us, consisting of rice and beans, and a delicious stew. Knowing the family’s income, I couldn’t help but think about the sacrifice involved in preparing such a meal; our team had 19 members, in addition to the foreman and two of YUGO’s interns.

I lived in Mexico for two months as a student in YWAM, and visited Colombia for two weeks prior to that; in learning about Hispanic cultures, I was taught to eat whatever I was served. Noticing that a couple of our team members decided not to eat the stew, I addressed their actions (without calling attention to anyone specifically) at our group time that evening. As an example, I used myself, and the fact that I despise mayonnaise but would be willing to eat it under these circumstances.

Sure enough, my words were put to the test later in the week: on Friday, the family served fresh lemonade, homemade tamales, and macaroni salad. Warm macaroni salad. Bathed in mayo. I smiled at Kim and ate every bite.

Of course, I’d like to think that this served as a lesson for those who thought I was picking on them earlier in the week, but it was likely more of a lesson for me—a reminder that a leader’s words are only as good as his actions.

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