Secure enough to serve — Episode 1

The scriptures make it clear that we are to serve one another.

"You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love." (Galatians 5.13)

But what will give us the confidence to truly love, serve and care for one another? That's what we're exploring today in a new series on John 13, continuing our exploration of, One Another Christianity, based on the Bible's "one another" commands and promises.

This is Episode 1: Secure Enough to Serve.

Episode 4: Secure Enough to Serve

We've seen that the "one another" commands call us to love, forgive, encourage, bear with and serve one another. But if we're honest, that isn't easy.

Living this way requires vulnerability and courage. It means risking rejection, misunderstanding and disappointment. And that can feel impossible unless we're deeply secure in who we are.

Having a strong and settled identity is vital, not only for us as individuals, but for the health of our churches. If we're going to finish the race faithfully, and help our friends, neighbours and loved ones do the same, we need to know who we are.

So, who are you?

We all have many identities. At school, I was "the headmaster's son". Today, I'm a minister. To the insurance company, I'm a homeowner and a policyholder. In my family, I'm Penny's husband, Talaya's grandfather, and Fred and Lydia's father.

Those identities are real. But are they my deepest identity?

There's an recent film (Hail Mary) where an astronaut wakes from a coma, and the first question he asks is, "Who am I?" It's one of the most important questions any of us can answer. Jesus knew the answer.

In John chapter 13, everything is about to change. Jesus is spending His final evening with the disciples before the cross. Instead of giving them one last dramatic speech, He does something stunning. He washes their feet. John gives us the reason before describing the action.

"Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God." (John 13:3)

Jesus knew where He came from. He knew where He was going. He knew the Father had entrusted everything to Him. Because His identity was completely secure, He was free to take the role of a servant. Humility grows best in the soil of security.

The more secure we become in God's love, the less we need to defend ourselves, prove ourselves or compare ourselves with others. We become free to love. Free to forgive. Free to serve. Free to live out the "one another" life Jesus calls us to.

Perhaps that's a good prayer for today: "Father, remind me who I am in Christ. Help me find my security in Your love, so that I can serve others with the same humility Jesus showed."

Reflection Questions:

Which of my identities tends to define me most strongly?
How does knowing I belong to God give me the freedom to serve others?
What is one practical way I can show Christ-like humility to someone today?

If you have any questions or feedback, please contact me at malcolm@malcolmcox.org.

Many thanks for listening. May you grow ever more secure in Christ's love, and from that security find the freedom to serve others with joy.

Take care, and God bless.

Malcolm

Image courtesy of Lumo Project Films – www.lumoproject.com