An inspiring article had been written about a man who for years worked as a janitor in an elementary school. One day, the principal pulled him aside and said, “I’d rather see you grading papers than picking them up.”
The janitor took those simple yet motivating words to heart. He began studying for his teaching degree, nailed down his first job as a teacher, and (drum roll, please), went on to become principal of the very school he’d cleaned! No doubt something greater than even he’d envisioned.
Amazing, the impact a few uplifting words made in this man’s life.
It’s not hard to see the fruitful work one person can accomplish with a supportive nudge.
Can you imagine the ripples that came from this man’s career change? Most certainly he affected the lives of all the children he taught.
What about us? Have our lives been impacted by Jesus, the greatest teacher of all?
“Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” (John 14:12, NKJV)
This passage of Scripture starts out with Jesus appealing to his disciples to not let their hearts be troubled (John 14:1). Why would they be troubled? After all, they’d walked with Jesus, seen Him heal, raise the dead to life, and receive accolades from a joyous, adoring crowd as He entered Jerusalem. Nothing disheartening about that, right?
But, as they sat at a table to enjoy their Passover meal, Jesus says He’s leaving and they can’t go with Him. The mood shifts. The disciples seem confused about why Jesus is going away, where He’s going, and who the Father is.
Then, Jesus infuses them with encouragement. The Helper, the Holy Spirit, will come and teach them all they’ll need to know and bring to remembrance everything Jesus said to them.
Just as the principal who had stimulated the janitor-turned-teacher and principal to achieve something greater, the Holy Spirit prompts and unshackles us from this human shell, spurring us on to become more like Jesus.
Do we have to study? Do we need to learn? Yes! But, we have the best Helper inside us. He guides and directs, challenges and reminds us to be more like Jesus each and every day.
I love your statement that the "Holy Spirit ... unshackles us from this human shell." I'd never thought of it like that. The janitor example also shows how much difference a word of encouragement can make:)
Great post, Erma! It is amazing what a few words of encouragement can do to change a life. Jesus teaches us so many wonderful lessons that can lead us down the most rewarding paths. Thank you for this post.