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Wednesday, April 25, 2012

John 13:8

"No," said Peter, "you shall never wash my feet." Jesus answered, "Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

What is this initial adversity we have towards being served?  Why do we often jump at the first chance to serve others but seldom take the time to let others serve us?  Why is it that we want to alleviate the pain of others while ignoring the pain we carry inside?  If it is true that when we do not allow ourselves to be served, we can have no part with Christ, what prevents us from allowing his Body to minister to our needs?

Pride, most likely.

The temptation for church and ministry leaders to want to minister to others while at the same time keeping them at arms length so as to not allow them to reciprocate is often a matter of pride.  The attitude speaks clearly "You cannot help Me, I'm here to help YOU."  But it is the weak things of the Earth that Christ uses, often the poorest and most downtrodden, to teach the rest of us humility.

Or perhaps you do not want to be served because you feel unworthy to be served and you desire approval and affirmation as you serve everyone else for your sense of worth.  This too is a reverse-pride and a denial of Christ's service and his grace towards you.  Christ has deemed you worthy, who are you to say otherwise?  There is no amount of guilt or shame you bear that is more powerful than Christ's ability to forgive.

So shall you deny Christ and spurn his love towards you any longer?

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