Just wondering

I was just wondering how many of us Pastors (and actually all Christ-followers) act on Jesus' teaching in John 13. I see a lot of posturing and attention-seeking amongst believers today, but very little of what Jesus modelled for us.

When he {Jesus} 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. (John 13:12-17)

To be fair, I know that there are a lot of servant-hearted believers in our communities, because these are the Christians that make the most impact for the kingdom. I guess they are the ones who act for Jesus without publicizing their actions. 

·      “Most people wish to serve God - but in an advisory capacity only.” - Anonymous 

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Rejoicing in work

“O Lord, renew our spirits and draw our hearts to yourself,

That our work may not be to us a burden, but a delight.

Let us serve you with the spirit of bondage like slaves,

But with freedom and gladness,

Delighting in you and rejoicing in your work,

For Jesus Christ’s sake.” – Benjamin Jenks

When it comes to serving others, it makes a huge difference if we commit ourselves to the tasks out of love or out of bondage. A servant who does the minimum, just to avoid being scolded by their harsh master, is unlikely to go the extra mile for that same person. 

However, a servant who knows they are loved and respected by their Lord, will usually go beyond the required limit, just to be a delight to the one who employs them.When we serve Christ, which servant are we? Do we serve out of fear or because we delight in our Saviour?

Living in Grace

D3LM3

Celebrating with you

In our men's accountability group this morning we were challenged to celebrate the achievements of others. Often we struggle to recognise the good in others and before we can genuinely say "well done" to someone else, we go through mixed emotions. Part of us struggles with a little jealousy or even a little insecurity - perhaps if I celebrate your victory, I may not be noticed anymore...

Our inspiration for celebrating with others should be Christ's attitude of humility:

Philippians 2:3-5
"Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had."

Celebrate with someone today.

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Love at home

"Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do ... but how much love we put in that action." - Mother Teresa

Our love for family, and others who are close to us, needs to be sincere. It is not just about getting the job done, but to remember to do the action with LOVE. Jesus didn't just wash his disciple feet to get the job done - he deeply loved them as he washed the dirt off their feet.

Who can we love today? What's stopping us from loving with devotion and sincerity?

Living in Grace
D3LM3

Lesson from the Chilean miners

The 33 miners trapped in Chile are set to be rescued from tonight. After spending a world record 68 day underground (not that they care about the record) they will finally see their family and friends.

What is even more remarkable is that they are 'arguing' about who should be pulled to safety first - but not as we would think. Despite their plight they are willing to allow their friends to go before them. This speaks of servanthood for me. At a time when we could understand their selfishness, they are thinking of each other.

Galatians 5:13 - "...serve one another in love."

Matthew 20:16 - "So the last will be first, and the first will be last."

Living in Grace,
D3LM3