Seize the Moment – Day 97
The Towel of Service!
Good morning! This is Pastor Jerry Ingalls from New Castle First Baptist Church and today is Monday, June 22.
Will you put on the “towel of service” for those you love?
Listen to John 13:4-5, “[Jesus] laid aside his outer garments, and taking a towel, tied it around his waist. Then he poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet and to wipe them with the towel that was wrapped around him.”
Jesus then teaches in verses 13-15, “You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, 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 also should do just as I have done to you.”
I have heard many people say that they are willing to die for their loved ones. Such bravado! Peter essentially said the same about Jesus in John 13:37, “Lord, why can I not follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” In the same way that Peter failed to live up to his bravado, so do most people. Because as long as we keep on our outer garments, we will always talk a good game of following Jesus, but never become like Him.
Why is it we say we are willing to sacrifice everything for the people we love, when we can’t even suspend our own self-interests long enough to serve them? What is keeping us from being fully present to the people we love? What are the “outer garments” we must put aside to put on the towel of service?
Who do you need to serve today?
Seize the moment and be like Jesus. Take off the “outer garments” of how you want to see yourself and how you want everyone to know you, and put on the towel of service. It is only in the posture of humility that you can become like Jesus and fulfill God’s will for your life.
If you need any practical assistance or would like to receive a personal phone call, please dial the phone number below and someone from FBC will call you soon.