“True heroism…is not the urge to surpass all others at whatever cost, but the urge to serve others at whatever cost.” – Arthur Ashe What is the greatest thing that you can leave behind as your legacy? What is the most important thing you can teach to the next generation? Well, if you wish to emulate Jesus in your life, you should endeavor to see what the Son of God felt was the most vital to leave behind for those who followed. In John chapter 13 we see precisely what Jesus felt was the most important. Of the many timeless pieces of advice, rules to live by, and ways to prosper, He cherished above all servanthood. He took upon Himself a task reserved not only for a slave, but a job seen as too lowly for any who were Jewish. Why would the Savior of the world, who was set to die for sins, push this as the top agenda next to love? In a few weeks He would die for our sins, the greatest gift ever given, but that is reserved for the Savior. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but you, as much as you may desire it, are not that important. However, you do have the ability and the call to serve. No matter who you are, no matter what your station, age, career, economic status, etc. you can serve. Jesus knew that this was something that has impact on people, even the most ardent atheist understands helping others. John writes, 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) There is no fan fare, no limos, no crowds lined up to meet the foot washer. It is not for the pay, the recognition, the prestige, or even the response. As represented by Christ it is solely for the benefit of the other, which also defines grace, and giving grace is simply another way to take up the towel. I have also included a youtube reference for a video that was very powerful. The man in the video is Buddhist, but it symbolizes the values that Jesus felt so passionately about. The web address is youtube/watch?v=zcruIov45bI, and I have shared it on my wall. We may never know the effect of our lives, but I guarantee it will be rich if we live to bless others. What, in this world, do you really need anyway? Live not for today, live for the life to come.
Posted on: Wed, 05 Nov 2014 23:24:09 +0000