Morning Thoughts - by Elder Philip Conley

Morning Thoughts

John 13:17, "If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

This morning, the "recipe for happiness" has not changed. Christ spoke these words right after bowing down and washing His disciples' feet. He told them and us today that the only way to find happiness in this life is to do the things that He has set for our example. His baptism, daily walk, acts of service, and self-sacrifice are our examples of how to live with great happiness and joy.

There are many who oppose the literal foot-washing service at their communion. Sadly, some of these people wear the name Primitive Baptist. Their excuse is that we should figuratively be at our brethren's feet all the time. That is most definitely the case. We should always esteem our brethren more highly than we esteem ourselves. That is the mind of Christ, and should be ours likewise.

However, if one feels to be figuratively at their brethren's feet all the time, there should be NO reason whatsoever to get down there literally once or twice a year (or however often their church observes communion). Simply put, the only reason for not literally bowing down at our brethren's feet is human pride and arrogance. There can be no other reason, for this account is laid out so plainly that it takes effort to misunderstand it. Christ is our Lord and Master. He washed His brethren's feet. He said that doing so would lead to happiness. If we love Him, we should keep His commandments, and that is the only place for true happiness to abound.

In Hope,

Bro Philip