Living the Five - Saved People Serve People
Pathway Points
Stepping Up for Jesus
This past Sunday, we heard the third installment in
the series Living the Five, Saved
People Serve People. I walked into this one rather smug (I know, not a very
Christian attitude). I grew up in the church and I’m of the generation where
community service started becoming a requirement for graduation. Serving is a
default for me. Then, Pastor Jeff started preaching and I was convicted.
It turns out, there’s another “as I have done for you”
statement from Jesus regarding service. (See verse 15: John
13:1-17 NIV - Jesus Washes His Disciples’ Feet.) Jesus performed a task
that was dirty, below his station, along with whatever other negative you can
come up with. So far so good, I’ve swept floors, washed dishes, changed dirty
diapers. The stickler? It’s not what he did, it’s how he did it.
Jesus approached everything and everyone out of a
posture of love. He didn’t grumble or complain. He didn’t avoid people because
he knew they were “using him.” He gave freely and wisely right up until his
death. Ouch! Time for another self-evaluation. Am I doing things because “I
have to” or because “Pastor asked”? Or, am I seeing a need and responding out
of love because Jesus did, and I’m supposed to be modeling my life after him?
Stepping up with you in His strength!
Monica Lebsack
Creative Ministries Director