The account of Jesus washing the feet of the disciples as told to us by the apostle John, is an example of one of the great paradoxes of Christianity. The dictionary tells us that a paradox is a statement that seems contradictory, unbelievable or absurd, but in all actuality may be true.
The teaching in the thirteenth chapter of the Gospel of John stresses that only by service comes greatness. The heart of the matter is given in verse sixteen. "A servant is not greater than his master, nor is the messenger greater than the one who sent him."
We can read the story and know the facts but Jesus adds in verse seventeen, "you will be blessed if you do them." Knowing that greatness comes from serving and applying that principle to our daily lives are two different things.
Since this way of living sounds so un believable, the human tendency is to feel it means something else. Perhaps this passage is giving us an example of a church ordinance or maybe it is something only designed to fit the custom of the times in Palestine. We keep trying to fit some way into our belief that we want to be served, rather than serve others.
But after diligent thought and study of this passage the only honest conclusion is that Jesus by example says, "be a servant just as I am serving you."
When others look at our lives, hopefully, they see many good things: Love, commitment, caring, honesty, compassion, and yes, even service.
Rather than placing limits on our service like the housekeeper who says, "I don't do windows," Christ asks that we serve in ways that may require bending and stooping, getting our hands dirty and serving others in ways we may find beneath us. Jesus did all of these things when He washed the feet of His disciples.
For many years I was what one would call a passive Christian. I believed in Christ as my personal savior. I knew he came to this earth to die for my sins and I was baptized for the remission of my sins. I heard his word taught and understood its meaning. However, I did not live my Christian life to its fullest. I was not committed to my faith.
I am a relatively new Christian. Baptized as an adult I entered my walk with Christ with an attitude towards Christianity that is quite typical of non-believers. I believed Christians were people who never did wrong. And since I had become one, I would have to fit the bill.
I knew about God's grace, I knew I had been forgiven of my sins and yet I could not help believing what I always had. So I spent years focusing on God's commandments not wanting to do anything that was wrong in God's eyes.
I was overwhelmed trying to fill a tall order. Here I was, an imperfect person, trying to live a perfect }ire. There was only one person who ever walked the face of this earth who could do this, and that was Christ. Needless to say, I did not know the true joy and happiness of being a Christian. I was not unhappy with my life but I was not happy either.
Fortunately I recently discovered the happiness we can expect as Christians. In fact it dawned on me that I had been concentrating on not doing what was wrong in God's eyes and had completely overlooked doing what was right. I was living a self-serving lifestyle. But finally I realized the Lord repeatedly expected me to live a life serving Him and others. He says it in His word. Chapter ten in the Gospel of Mark, specifically verses forty-two through forty-five, serve as a prime exam pie. From the moment I decided to serve the Lord my life immediately changed. I found my church home and a loving and supportive group of Christians. I discovered there are so many opportunities to Serve in my congregation. And as I have seized the opportunities to serve, I have found great rewards.
Though I expect rewards in heaven for my service here on earth, I never expected rewards here on earth. But I have found joy, peace, and happiness and they abound.
What still amazes me is how God works. When I decided to commit my life to service, I had no idea what that would be. But God knows our talents better than we know them ourselves. Now not only do I get the satisfaction of serving, but I enjoy what I do because my talents are being used in the process.
In the future there is no telling what I will be doing. The possibilities are only limited by the power of God. What an exciting thought.
Lord, I thank you and I thank you for the regeneration of your spirit through these fine young people. They bless our lives. It is our prayer that we can continue to bless their lives as well. Thank you! In Jesus' name, Amen.
Remember to be happy SERVE!..you deserve to be happy!