"The Greater Life - Spirit Led Singleness" (Part 5) by David Skidmore

Can you imagine what would be on your mind if you were a few hours away from your death? It would be an incredible intense experience. I would want to share what was important to me with my friends and family. I would want people to know how much I love them. And as I think of this scene, I think of myself in a hospitable bed. Because that is where I’ve known many people go before they die. Imagine Jesus eating dinner with His friends. He has told them that death is coming to Him soon, but you know that they kind of don’t believe Him on this. There’s no way He can actually be serious. But He knows the cross is coming, and He knows they’ll remember the events leading up to it. And not just that, “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 3:3.)  Jesus knew who He was, and what His calling was. And in this moment, Jesus didn’t mention His accomplishments, tell a parable, or heal the sick. It says, “...so he got up from the meal, took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that, he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples’ feet, drying them with he towel that was wrapped around him.” (John 13:4-5.)

Out of all the things Jesus could do, He washed His disciples feet. Let that sink in. And then, Jesus said, “Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. Very truly I tell you, servants are not greater than their master, nor are messengers greater than the one who sent them. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” (John 13:14-17.)

Now, there has never been anyone who walked this earth who was more Spirit-led than Jesus. His entire life was led by the Spirit. And Jesus gives us the secret about the greater life He was living. “Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.” The true blessing comes in doing what you know. The greater life isn’t found in accolades, power, wealth or fame. The greater life happens to us as we choose to do the things Jesus did.

Ask the Spirit to lead you to opportunities to be Jesus. Don’t just know what Jesus did. Do what Jesus did. And you will find yourself living the greater life. You will use your singleness for the glory of God. And you will find yourself led by the Spirit more and more as you do what He loves leading you to do.

David Skidmore