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Serving

“…But as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” Joshua 24:15

One day, many years ago, I was asked to pick up a very famous Christian speaker from the airport and bring him to the church he was to speak at. This well known pastor was not what I would call a humble servant of God. He demanded to be picked up in a Winnebago, he demanded a name brand water along with chilled fruit, he wanted a wall of ushers to escort him into the sanctuary and demanded to stay at the most expensive room in the most expensive hotel. What was so amazing is that night at church, he spoke about the cost of ministry! That night the only cost of ministry was to the church that invited him!

We simply are to serve Christ and not ourselves. In Matthew 25, Jesus said as we serve others, “You do it unto me”. Paul continued that truth in Colossians 3 when he indicated that as we serve others, “we serve the Lord Christ”. We are to serve because Jesus served… “I am among you as one who serves” (Luke 22:27). In Philippians 2:7, Jesus came, “In the form of a servant”.

In John 13, we have the wonderful story of Jesus washing the feet of the apostles… such a picture of humility, servanthood and compassion. In verse 4, Jesus “laid aside His garments and took up a towel”. So must we lay aside our garments of pride, selfishness and apathy and pick up our towels to help with the needs of others. Then in verse 5, He “poured water into a basin”. Are you willing and ready to be poured out for others… taking what was given to you by God and pouring it out of you for the sake, welfare and care of another? What can be more Christlike?

But why the washing of feet? Why not the hands or face? Feet are representative of a person’s walk, their life and how they carry themselves through life. So many in this life walk lame, maimed, wounded and limping, blistered and burdened by the circumstances of their life. What better way to show God’s love than to wash those wounded feet made scared and stained by struggles, pains and sorrows. Wash them in the waters of His love, grace and life giving spirit!

So as you serve Him through serving others, know that God will honor and take care of you… that’s His promise! “If anyone serves me, Him my Father will honor” (John 12:26). And, “He who waters, will also be watered himself” (Proverbs 11:25) So get out that towel and remember… no Winnebagos!