Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them. (John 13:17)
The apes for the win. Every year my parents took us to the zoo. And every year we spent most of our time by the monkey cage. It was my father’s favorite animal. He’d make noises and motions, then break into his robust laugh when they mimicked him. He’s eighty-four now, and he still gets a kick out of monkey cards, calendars, and even socks.
As Christians, we have someone to mimic—our servant Christ. We watch him in action in the Gospels and mimic him. Jesus didn’t “perform.” He opened his heart to those in need; he fed the hungry. We can fix a meal for a new mother or a family providing cancer care for a loved one. Jesus loved on the children. We can volunteer at a pregnancy help center or organize a Bible club in the neighborhood. Jesus calmed a storm for his disciples. We can calm the inner storm of the elderly by reading the Bible to them or listening as they recount the past. Jesus provided tax money found in a fish’s mouth. We can deny ourselves and give the extra to a mother raising children on her own.
When we are willing to stoop to help others, God shows us the way. Our minds become one with Christ. Read the Gospels. Emulate Jesus’ actions. And when you do, blessing will follow.
Step into the servant shoes of Jesus.
Pamela J. Kuhn’s favorite word is joy and her favorite place is anywhere that holds books and sells tea. Her husband, R. B., is an associate professor at Indiana Wesleyan University.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
