Desire and Action

 

When he had washed their feet and put on his outer garments and resumed his place, he said to them, “Do you understand what I have done to you? You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you. Truly, truly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.” (John 13:12-17 ESV).

 

If you have done any study of human nature as it relates to the motivation of others you will have come across the AIDA Model. The image I have attached to this devotional shows the progression of the highest possibility of success. As you can see, the first issue is to inform your target audience. Then by creating interest you will develop desire which will result in action.

 

Perhaps I can illustrate from my study of Biblical languages. When I began my seminary studies two languages were required: Hebrew and Greek. Knowing they were required courses for the successful completion of my degree, my attention was focused clearly on the need. However, when I understood how important a working knowledge of these languages would make my understanding of Scripture exponentially greater, I was then interested. That, in turn, created a heightened desire to master the languages. And, that resulted in my in depth studies throughout my seminary education and beyond.

 

In our reading today, Jesus tells his disciples to love one another because by doing so people will know they are his disciples. He follows the same steps in the model. Jesus knows that our actions reveal our true beliefs and motivations, and he encourages his followers to live out their faith by loving one another well. Jesus understands that it doesn’t do any good to preach a gospel of grace but to have a critical spirit toward the people around us. Further, it doesn’t help people to tell them that God loves them but to ignore their various needs. We are called to truly show the love of Jesus to the people around us, and by that they will know we really believe in God’s love and his good news for the world. As I evaluate my behavior toward others I must truly come to knowing that truth. We are to love all people. That’s His desire for us. Adopting that must then go on to produce the active love expressed toward all people. If you’re having trouble loving others, perhaps you really haven’t accepted the first two steps.