Day 23: The Selflessness of Service

Week 4, Tuesday, January 26

Text: John 13:14
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet.”

Thought for the day:
Washing feet was not a pleasant experience. Jesus gave an example to His disciples of what it meant to practice humility. Jesus did not have to wash anyone’s feet. He could have ordered one of His disciples to do it, or even asked the owner of the home to provide a servant. However, He willingly picked up the towel and the bowl of water, and proceeded to scrub the filthy feet of His followers.

God does not promise us that service will always be invigorating. There will be occasions when we do not enjoy the work God calls us to do. When God does call us to serve in humbling circumstances, we can remember that He was willing to humble Himself first. In fact, He was willing to humble Himself to the point of dying a criminal’s death for our sake.

Journal/Exercise:
Yesterday, you were asked to encourage one specific person. Today, you will be challenged to offer an act of service to three different people. I don’t want you to plan ahead, but I want you to be aware of the people around you today, and offer each of them a unique service. You could hold the door for someone who has their hands full, or offer your seat to someone who walks in late. If someone forgets their lunch, you could offer to share yours. Pray that God will open your eyes to the opportunity you have to serve today, and strive to offer an act of kindness to three different people.