The title of this blog is a quote from my mother. This was her sage advice with regards to parenting. I don't remember when she said it and I don't think she repeated it often but when when she did say it - it really stuck. I think this statement is straight from God's heart with regards to parenting and regards to life and leadership. Listen to our verses for today! Do you hear and see the same counsel?
John 13 "12 When he had finished washing their feet, he put on his clothes and returned to his place. ‘Do you understand what I have done for you?’ he asked them. 13 ‘You call me “Teacher” and “Lord”, and rightly so, for that is what I am. 14 Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. 15 I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. 16 Very truly I tell you, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them."
Jesus is showing them by example how He wants them to do life. Two things really pop out at me as I read today.
1) Jesus is a humble servant to the people around Him. He has His identity so wrapped up in the fact He is the Son of God that He can freely "bend the knee" in service to meet even the most basic needs of others. He sets the example - He doesn't just dictate the values or mission or vision of His movement. He actually is for His disciples what they really need - someone to imitate.
2) Jesus clearly says that in order for blessing to come from this life of service we must "do it"! 17 Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them." I get to actually do the things that Jesus is showing me and that His Spirit in me is forming and shaping in me! We have a "just do it" God!
Such power is released in these two realities. I have an example in Jesus of what I am supposed to do and then a promise that I will be blessed as I do them. No more sitting on the sidelines, the bench, in the huddle - we have been called into the game and have a leader that does not just point but actually leads!
Jesus is already at work in our world preparing good things for us to do, creating opportunities for us to serve. Let's meet Him on the field, grab a towel, bend a knee and join Him!
delton