On May 18th, I was handed a diploma holder and a towel as I walked across the stage during commencement from Taylor University. The towel is a reminder from the alumni association to follow Christ in serving others in humility (John 13).
The thing about the towel is that it’s value is somehow connected to its use. A towel is used for drying, and a rag is used for cleaning. If your life is like a a towel or a rag, you will occasionally get wet and you will get filthy — but that is part of being useful.
Revelation’s warning to the church of Laodeica is: “I know your deeds, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were either one or the other! So, because you are lukewarm—neither hot nor cold—I am about to spit you out of my mouth.” This passage is said to refer to usefulness by implying that hot and cold water are moving. Hot and cold water have their purposes, but stagnant, lukewarm water quickly becomes useless and nonpotable.
Part of our purpose is to actively and usefully clean up the world we live in. But how does water make itself hot or cold?? How does a towel get used for the good? How does a rag become a used and filthily fulfilled rag?
To be used by God, we have to allow him to take us, use us, and to humbly be his:
Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline. So be earnest, and repent. Here I am! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in and eat with him, and he with me. To him who overcomes, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I overcame and sat down with my Father on his throne.
Repent, sit and be God’s, read this chapter. Take on life to its fullest.
Be hot, be cold, keep moving, be useful. Be filthy and used from cleaning up a world in need.
May the Lord’s will be done,
CWillZ
Tags: Jesus, Laodecia, purpose, revelation, Taylor, Taylor University, the Kingdom, towel
