“’No,’ said Peter, ‘you shall never wash my feet.’ Jesus answered, ‘Unless I wash you, you have no part with me.’” John 13:8

“You don’t have to do that!” And though the words sounded sweet coming from my help-mate, I was not really listening to her. My MAN-voice was dominating me, drowning out her wisdom. Wisdom that was coming directly from God, and falling on deaf ears. Running and working myself ragged, I had every reason to since. “I have a job, and my boss demands my full attention!” But is it true?

It’s Holy Week. At the Church I pastor, there are LOTS of events and things to do. Almost every year I end up sick from wearing myself out ‘working and doing,’ dutifully showing my Lord and Savior that I DO love Him. After all, didn’t He say, “if you love me you’ll do what I do (John 13:15)?” “O.K. then Master Jesus,” I responded, “here’s my proof!” I’m starting to see that – He isn’t impressed!

The point is, I KNOW ‘the point’ on which the teeter-totter tots! I am saved by my Faith alone. But PROOF of that transaction can CLEARLY be seen by what I DO (the classic James 2:14 argument). But after belonging to Him for over 56 years, I STILL clunk HARD on the ground after Jesus slides off the teeter totter, after I have I moved the pivot point in my favor! Rule #1 is, He sets the rules!

As a called Teacher by Christ, The Word says I will be judged more strictly! NOT based upon how effective I was and how many people followed, but by how well ‘I’ followed JESUS in my calling! It is a CONSTANT problem, and one that He continually reminds me. Jesus is not nearly as concerned with WHAT I do, as He is with HOW and WHY I DO IT! Cuz Rule #2 is, He must always go, and be first!

So listening to The Spirit, I decided, after being tired and sore for days, that He wanted me to take a nap! And yes, I can see how that command might get abused! But that was the directive! “I want you rested and dependent on me.” He hinted, “I called for a sheep dog, not a bulldozer! So do what I tell you and go pull a Snoopy!” And I did what I was told! AHHHHHHHHHH!

Are YOU rested and resting in Jesus or are you trying to impress and perform for Him? Is HE in charge of YOUR life and are you following Him… or have you switched places and made yourself the king of your own universe? So… what has Jesus been trying to tell YOU lately?