pJohn records that: ‘Jesus…got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing, and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin, and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with a towel…He came to Simon Peter, who said to him, “Lord, are you goig to wash my feet?”’(John 13:3-6 NIV). Jesus didn't wait for His disciples to make the first move, He went first. He taught that in order to serve God you must be willing to lay aside your image, your comfort and your agenda. And He dramatised it in a way His disciples would never forget. By laying aside His garments He showed them God has no time for form or fashion. Real ministry is not image conscious; it's done with a complete loss of distinction. God, as a human, clothed Himself in humility. Amazing! But Peter didn't get it. He was embarrassed to think that His Lord would allow Himself to be seen in such demeaning light. So Jesus said, 'You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord’...Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example, that you should do as I have done to you...Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them' (John 13:13-17 NIV). If you really want to serve, don't join the 'spiritual elitists' who are impressed by the sound of their own voices and show off their own achievements. Lay aside everything you privately glory in and pick up the towel of servanthood. Don't wait for others. Somebody at your table needs to start a trend. Today let it be you!/p
pWhat Now?br /
Jesus took the first move. With His Spirit in you, He's nudging you to take initiative too. Today, that might not look like wiping soil off feet. How can you *creatively serve* someone today?/p