If you know, then do (climb ladders, don't build towers)

SCRIPTURE: John 13:16-17 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them 

OBSERVATION: Jesus is demonstrating to his disciples the principles of kingdom leadership by washing their feet.  If Jesus would wash their feet, then they ought to wash one another’s as well.  Washing someone’s feet was a menial task considered beneath the dignity of most to do.  The God of the universe was washing His servants' feet..take that one in..

APPLICATION: Godly leaders are godly servants.  Christ-like leadership seeks to serve others instead of being served by others.  But it’s more than just a cerebral “knowing” of what to do, it’s actually doing it.  No task is beneath us.  And we are to esteem our brothers and sisters in the Lord greater than ourselves.  Philippians 2: 3-4 states:  Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Unity in the body of Christ is ultimately achieved through humility and the lifting up of others; thereby opening up our lives to yet another promise of the Lord.  He will lift us up!  He resists the proud but gives grace to the humble.  In Proverbs 11:2 it gives a solemn warning that shame soon follows pride, but wisdom comes through a humble heart.  Without humility, we all in danger of becoming unteachable.

Godly exaltation only comes through an honestly reverent heart.  You can’t climb Jacob’s ladder unless it’s been extended to you first, otherwise you’re in jeopardy of building a tower of Babel!  

 PRAYER: Father, thank you that you are mindful of me, that you care for me, that you’re patient and longsuffering with me.  Lord I know that I need to spend much more time with you for my own person growth and to be able to pour out into others, but help me to always be looking for ways to sew kingdom love into the lives of others and demonstrate the same humility that your Son demonstrated to the world.  I want to shine Your light and enjoy the promises and blessings of your word at all times possible.  You are my God!

CHALLENGE:  Who's feet are on your radar to be washing this year?