I’ve decided not to stand for leader of the Labour Party. Nor as England football manager. I was just dusting off my CV for the job in Downing Street – and suddenly it was filled.

It’s been a summer of resignations and challenges for the top jobs. Personally, I blame Europe.

The aftermath of the European Referendum and the Euro16 football tournament ended many leadership careers. And yet men and women are still keen to take on the top jobs.

Many people like the idea of being a leader. Fewer like being told what to do – especially when their leaders are remote and faceless.

Being in charge is popular with people. Type ‘leadership’ into Google and you get 757 million results in less than a second.

Jesus Christ turned the idea of leadership on its head. He told his followers that anyone who wanted to be a leader had to be first among them, to be willing to serve. Even to be ready to give up their lives for others.

Jesus demonstrated what he meant by washing his disciples’ feet – something a slave would normally do. And then he gave up his life, rose from the dead, and served breakfast for his disciples on the beach.

Whoever fills the top jobs in our society, my prayer is that they will be people of integrity and seekers after justice.

But above all, I pray they will be servant leaders working for the good of all.

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