So, he got up from the table, took off his robe, wrapped a towel around his waist, and poured water into a basin. Then he began to wash the disciples’ feet, drying them with the towel he had around him. John 13:4–5 (NLT)
Do we ever get to the place where we are too important or big to do certain jobs for the cause of Christ? Do we refuse to get our hands dirty? At times we may not be the most suitable person, but it should never be because we are too proud, and the job too humbling.
Any time we start to think of ourselves as too important, we would do well to remember what our Savior did for his disciples. The washing of feet was considered to be degrading, and a job fit only for the lowest servant. With Christ’s example, is there any job for which we are too important, or too big?
There was a need to set up more chairs for an evangelistic meeting. One pastor saw the need, and as he began setting up additional chairs, he asked another minister to help him, but he received this reply, “That is not my ministry!” This man had started churches, preached to thousands in many nations, but he would not lower himself for something as unimportant as putting out chairs so people could sit down.
Do we recall the admonition in Ecclesiastes? Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might… Ecclesiastes 9:10 (NIV). The Message puts it this way: Whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily! The world, and the church, need to see examples where pastors, and other important leaders follow the example that Christ gave to us.
It Is All About Attitude
There is a difference between being so busy with assignments that you are not able to do everything. For example, in Acts 6, the Apostles realized that the needs of certain widows were being neglected. They appointed deacons to oversee the distribution of food to the widows, not because the apostles considered themselves too important, but because their primary responsibility was teaching and prayer.
It is not so much about the tasks that we choose to do, but it is about the attitude with which we do them. Are we willing to work with enthusiasm in everything that is set in front of us?
In John 13, we read that Jesus got up from the table and put a towel around his waist and began to wash the feet of the disciples. This was a job for a servant not for the master. Peter understood this and protested, but Jesus was setting an example and when he had finished, he asked them:
“Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” John 13:12–17 (NLT)
Any time that we get too full of ourselves or delude ourselves into thinking that we are too important, it will be time to go back and reread John 13!
Be the Servant
It may not be culturally relevant or necessary for us to wash one another’s feet today, but maintaining the attitude of a servant is absolutely vital. “Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.” Philippians 2:3–5 (NLT)
It really is all about attitude. If we have the attitude that certain tasks are beneath our level of respect or dignity, we will fail to exhibit adherence to the example that Christ gave us. We must not choose to do certain things only on the basis of what we perceive our station or position of ministry, but we must set an example for others in serving:
But Jesus called them together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Matthew 20:25–28 (NLT)
It is easier to talk about servant leadership than it is to be a servant leader. Countless books have been written, offering different perspectives, but it really comes down to one thing: humility!
A Prayer
Lord, help us to follow your example. First of all, you humbled yourself, becoming man. You took on the role of a servant and gave your life as a ransom for many. In your kingdom, the way to advance is through servanthood. Help us to never think of ourselves as more important than we actually are. Finally, as you have been our example, may we be an example for others. As we let our light shine and people see our good works, may you receive all the glory and praise. Amen!
Steve Ekeroth