THE PATH TO HAPPINESS
JOHN 13:13-17 NKJV
13 You call Me Teacher and Lord, and you say well, for so I am. 14 If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another's feet. 15 For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. 16 Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. 17 If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.
Time Magazine recently came out with a cover story about America's quest for happiness. I will eventually read that article, but for those who are interested in a shortcut, I can show you a better way.
Jesus had just washed the disciples' feet. That act in and of itself is amazing. Washing feet was a task for servants not leaders. Peter tried to refuse to have his feet washed until Jesus corrected him.
After washing their feet, Jesus expounded on what He had done. He acknowledged being their teacher and Lord. So, washing their feet did not reduce His role in their life. Jesus simply redefined the role of what leadership looks like in God's Kingdom.
In God's Kingdom, leaders serve. In God's Kingdom, His people serve each other. In God's Kingdom, it's not about how much power can be gained but about how much can be done for others.
Jesus gave us an example that, if applied, would cure a lot of political maneuvering in the Church. Instead of attempting power grabs, the recognized way to power was through service.
Then Jesus made His point even clearer. He pointed out that He is the Master. And we, as His servants, are not above Him. He is the One who sends us. As His messengers, we are not greater than the One who is the source of the message.
But this devotional was supposed to be about happiness. I have not strayed. Jesus summed up His serving discourse by saying that happy people are not the ones who simply know about serving others. The happy people are the ones who actually do it. The Ones who follow the Lord's example are the blessed, happy ones in life.
APPLICATION:
Happiness seems so elusive. The more we pursue happiness, the less we actually are happy.
But the One who created us knows what will work. He has given us a path to happiness. And His path is not overcrowded. But it's a surefire way to being truly happy in this life.