So when He had washed their feet, taken His garments, and sat down again, He said to them, “Do you know what I have done to you? You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you – John 13:12-15.
It is apparent that the desire for recognition and position in the Church is a snare similar to that which came over the disciples when they argued among themselves about who was greater (Luke 22:24-27). While they openly clamoured for esteem, the same spirit is bubbling under the facade of humility and the earnest contention to be Christ-like and vigilant in the face of so strong a desire for esteem. Jesus said in this world we would have trouble, “but take heart” He said, “I have overcome the world”. Jesus overcame this temptation towards self exaltation through meekness. It is quiet clear with this teaching, that servanthood is one of the fundamentals of true Christianity.
(Philippians 2:5-11) The Lord’s entire earthly crusade was in service to mankind. Putting aside the priviledges of deity to take on the status of a slave (The Message Bible) He pursued us, knowing full well that some would reject, let alone acknowledge, the sacrifice, He took on the assignment to win some. It takes great self awareness and astuteness of character to love human beings like that, and yet it wasn’t a requirement unique to Jesus, it is a model for Christlikeness, footprints in the sand for us to walk in. This is the height of the love towards one another God has called us to (Philippians 2:3).
How did we become so self absorbed? Yes we must pray for ourselves and tend to our personal affairs, but how is it that we are stuck there? True Churches aren’t growing as rapidly as they should be (Acts 2:47) because it would seem these days that after having received Christ, next is self preoccupation. How did we neglect this all important characteristic of Christ’s campaign?, others! Jesus said: “If anyone desires to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all” (Mark 9:35), alluding after all, to the fact that there’s nothing wrong altogether with the desire, however (Matthew 7:12), the way to go about greatness is to serve others. This is exactly what Jesus did, He didn’t come to earth to mind His own business, but to intervene in ours that we may inherit an expected and glorious end!
As born again sons and daughters of the most high God how are we being of service to the people around us right now where we live, where we work, where we fellowship? Are we able to trace the influence of the Holy Spirit to be the hands of Jesus to those who need it? Are we usable, are we useful, are our lives bearing fruit to that end right now? Do we have proof of it?
As born again sons and daughters of the most high God how are we being of service to the people around us right now where we live, where we work, where we fellowship?
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