Deliberations 2016(1): #Back to Work! 

           (Developed out of a reading from a devotional for women: www.CTAinc.com)

How do you normally dress? Most of us put on comfortable, casual clothes while at home, but we generally choose more professional clothes for work in a classroom or office. Sometimes this is a uniform, like those worn by police officers, or nurses and doctors.

But here’s an interesting thought. On the day Jesus was betrayed, He did not dress for work. In fact, he undressed – removing his outer clothing in front of His disciples. Then, just as a lowly servant might have done, he took a towel and a basin of water and washed His disciples feet – including the feet of the one who would betray him! Here the disciples learned a lesson in humility as their Lord and Master washed their feet, (John 13).

Jesus asks us also to clothe ourselves in humility. This often requires that we remove some of the traits in which we clothe ourselves. For example we must lay aside pride and selfishness – replacing those outfits with a focus on the needs of others. We might need to roll up our sleeves and do the tasks others find distasteful or demeaning. Often we must volunteer for assignments that will probably go unnoticed and unrewarded. However as we labor at these tasks, we emulate our Savior’s humility, and as He works in us, His humble heart becomes our own. Moreover, scriptures remind us that happiness does not come from focusing on our own desires, but in looking outward and ministering to others.

Won’t you try on the clothes Jesus offers – remembering that His undeserved death in our place effectively covers our old sinful clothing?

You might just be surprised at the difference you will make in someone else’s life….