February 19, 2017 · John 13:14–15

Take Up Your Towel - John 13

“Having a heart, having a habit of service changes your life. So, serve wholeheartedly. Why? Because it makes you like Jesus. Because He served us first. Because He asked us to serve. Because it blesses you. Because you will be transformed, and the Spirit will always keep nudging you forward as you follow His lead. And if we deny the Spirit in service, we miss an opportunity for realigning our humanity. See, I think humanity was created to be in community. It was not good for Adam to be alone. But Adam and Eve, they could serve each other. They could help each other. Even before the fall, serving was part of what it meant to be a real human, what it meant to be in the image of God, and that's the essence of human free will. We're talking about having this freedom. It's to make consciously a decision to serve. You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge in this sinful nature. Rather, serve one another in love. The essence of service is love one another, and as Christians, we get to give these special gifts. Each of us is given gifts upon receiving the Spirit of God, and these gifts that says in the scriptures is to serve one another. That's why you had these gifts. So within the church, bless each other, serve each other, find ways to serve each other, and this is true, also especially, I would say, with leadership. To the elders among you, Peter says, I appeal as a fellow elder and a witness of Christ's sufferings, who also will share in the glory to be revealed.”