THE TOWEL, NOT THE TITLE

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Recently, I saw a phrase in a written tribute, alongside an obituary for a great man of God, which "rang true" with me; and which I had never seen so aptly phrased before.

"The towel, not the title."

When I served as an adjunct professor at a local Christian university, I would regularly walk past a beautiful bronze statue, mounted inside a circular fountain, of Jesus washing Peter's feet.

And nothing speaks to that earlier five word phrase any clearer than the biblical story to which this statue so aptly alludes.

I just completed 35 years in the pastoral counseling ministry. And speaking of titles, I was determined to be properly prepared for the task. During the course of my ministry, I earned four academic degrees; ending in the terminal degree of PhD. 

However, from my perspective the title was just a "jumping off place." It had been all about preparation, but it had never been about the title; but rather, the towel. And two weeks ago, I relinquished the ministry, and, in essence, the title; since I finally retired from this sacred profession.

And I hope during the course of my service, I girded myself well, and ably performed the work of the ministry. Jesus, Himself set the standard on that memorable evening, divested Himself of His outer garment, and tucked that towel into His waistband. 

I have only performed what some regard as a sacrament once; the washing of fellow believers' feet. However, I was given the privilege of figuratively performing this duty thousands upon thousands of times, as I ministered to those whom God set in my pathway.

I know God is not finished with me yet. And I pray it will ALWAYS be about the towel, and not the title.

by Bill McDonald, PhD