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The disciples often asked interesting questions—and got even more interesting answers from the Lord. Their train of thought often revealed motives that were tied to concerns about their future. Whether they wanted to know “When will the kingdom be restored to Israel?” or “Who gets to sit at Your left and right side?” or “What about John’s future?”—they were more than just curious. All indications seemed to reveal that they were posturing themselves to receive information about their future.

Insecurity will drive one to those kinds of actions. It lends itself to a gnawing need for more guarantees than are possible. In the worst-case scenarios, it will drive someone to manipulation and scheming. Because the heart can’t quite trust the process, the system or the people, one concludes it would be better if one could help guarantee the end result. Other symptoms reveal themselves through paranoia, anxiety and anger.

Jesus gives us the ultimate answers. He calls us to shepherding, servanthood, sacrifice and selfless behavior—to lay everything on the altar of trust! That kind of life submits to God even with an uncertain future, and refuses to leverage situations for its own benefit.

Maybe we should consider revising an ancient custom of grabbing a towel, getting down on our knees, and washing the feet of others—perhaps even the ones who we imagine might abandon or even betray us if the right circumstances presented themselves. Wait … it seems like Someone has already led the way. It pays to keep a towel handy, you know, just in case you might need to lead by example!

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.” Phil. 2:5-7 NKJV

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By: Glenn Burris Jr., general supervisor

served as the president of The Foursquare Church from 2009-2020.
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