The pastors had gathered for their regional planning meeting. In addition, they were to celebrate God’s delivering power in their lives with a special worship service. While they were waiting for the service to begin, discussions broke out among them:
“Yeah, you should see my baptismal rate from 2009 so far! I’m breaking my own record!”
“All except mine. I’ve got the top this year!”
“You both are nuts! The only thing your dunking rate is related to is coffee and doughnuts!”
“Look, you all know that programming is more important than stats. Mine will make me a shoe in for Pastor of the Year Award again this year. I’ve got the space in the foyer already set aside for the second trophy!”
On and on they went. Arguing about who was the most skillful, charismatic, persuasive, creative. Who would get the greatest recognition. Suddenly, the door opened and the regional leader walked in. Overhearing the harsh and critical words, he silently walked to an empty chair. Taking off his suit coat, he rolled up his sleeves and tucked his tie in.
A nervous hush spread over the room as he made his way, still silently, to the kitchen, the recent target of complaints and criticism. Soon, he re-entered the room carrying a towel and a large pan of water. Carrying it to the end of the closest row of seats, he knelt down, reaching under the narrow conference table. Taking the shoe of the man in front of him, he untied it, removed the sock and began washing it. Shocked gasps broke the silence as all eyes were riveted on this strange activity. Finishing with the first man, he proceeded down the row.
Coming to the end of the first table, he reached for the next shoe and looked up to find the face of the one who, moments before had been the source of the loudest boasts. Leaning forward sharply in his chair, Peter pulled his feet back and said,”No, Jesus, You can’t wash my feet!”
Jesus looked up steadily with love and acceptance.”Peter, if you want to be part of Me, I must wash your feet.”
Always a man of extremes, Peter responded,”Then wash my whole body, Jesus!
Do I rely on a name badge to let people know that I’m a Christian? How can they tell? Jesus had a short and powerful answer:
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:35
By how? By how we love each other. Lyrics from a popular 60″s song went like this:
“and they’ll know we are Christians by our love, by our love,
and they’ll know we are Christians by our love.”
Not by a sign, not by parading around carrying a Bible, not even by the fish emblem on the car. No, Jesus said that everyone would know us. Everyone! Not by these stereotypical things, but by our love. Let’s pray that God will give us great opportunities to show that love today!