Thur Inspiration

Morning Inspiration with Pastor Merritt

Jesus touched people personally through His life on earth. In order to make an eternal difference in the lives of others, Jesus did several unorthodox things we can emulate.

1. Surrender Your Power.

"Having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end." John 13:2

Even though Jesus was in complete control, and as God had full power to stop His arrest, trial and crucifixion, He did not. On the eve of His arrest, just minutes away, Jesus instead takes on the ultimate act of servanthood by washing His disciples feet.

In Jesus' time, this was a task for the lowest level of servant. Simply put, Jesus was willing to do for others the things that most of us are not willing to do. When you think of people you know who are far from God, how far are you willing to go to reach them? What would you do to bring them to God that others might be unwilling to do?

2. Serve Other People.

"The greatest among you should be like the youngest, and the one who rules like the one who serves." Luke 22:23

Jesus' disciples did not understand His serving example. They were more interested in position or privilege than serving others. In fact, when you think about it, why didn't the disciples want to wash the feet of Jesus Himself? When we want to impact the lives of others, we must first look at how we can serve them. Are you willing to serve others in order to reach them? What does serving others look like in your life this week?

3. Share Your Passion.

"I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you." John 13:15

Jesus invested the greatest amount of time on earth in His disciples. He was passionate about them learning from Him and following His example. Sometimes we think, "Well, I can't be like Jesus, because Jesus is God. And He doesn't expect me to do what He did." The verse above makes it very clear that Jesus wants and expects us to follow His example.

In serving, Jesus' example was a passion for other people. A desire to see them know Him and follow Him. What are you passionate about? Does a passion for others knowing Jesus resonate with you? What does a passion for following Christ look like in your life and relationships to others?

To love people is to serve people. This week, ask God to show you ways you can serve others, at home, at work, at school, at the store--with your life. Allow God to work through you using simple opportunities to serve, in order to show your love, and in turn, the love of God living in you.