"Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, 4 rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. 5 After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded." John 13:3-5

One of the clearest revelations of true identity is how a person serves. Service born of insecurity strives to be seen, validated, and affirmed. Service born of identity is quiet, confident, and free. The new creation does not serve to prove worth -- they serve because their worth is already settled. John 13 gives us a holy picture of this truth. Before Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, Scripture tells us something profound: He knew that the Father had given all things into His hands, that He had come from God and was returning to God. From that place of absolute security, He rose from the table, laid aside His garments, wrapped Himself in a towel, and washed their feet. His humility flowed directly from His identity. Because He knew who He was, He was free to serve without fear of being diminished. Identity produces service. Insecurity produces performance. When identity is unclear, service becomes exhausting. We strive, compare, compete, and measure ourselves against others. We serve with tension, driven by the need to be noticed or affirmed. But when identity is secure, service becomes joyful. There is no pressure to impress, no fear of being overlooked, no anxiety about position. We serve because love compels us, not because approval demands it. Jesus did not lose authority by kneeling -- He revealed it. His service did not strip Him of glory; it displayed it. Kingdom service is not about rank or recognition; it is about love in action. When we serve from identity, we reflect the heart of the Father and the posture of the Son. Our actions become worship, and our obedience becomes an overflow of intimacy. The new creation life invites us to lay down the towel of performance and take up the towel of love. To serve from identity is to know that nothing you do can make God love you more -- and nothing you fail to do can make Him love you less. From that place of rest, our hands become willing, our hearts become generous, and our service becomes a living testimony of grace. Brothers & Sisters, lay down striving and rise in identity. Release the need to prove yourself and serve from the security of being loved. Let the towel of humility replace the weight of performance. Serve freely, quietly, and joyfully, knowing who you are and whose you are. As you kneel in love, heaven stands with you. As you pour yourself out, grace will fill you again. Serve from identity, not insecurity -- and let your life reveal the heart of Messiah to the world. SERVING FROM IDENTITY, NOT STRIVING FOR IT!