I really like how John brings attention to the moment that Jesus got on his knees before his own followers to wash their feet.

He emptied himself of all ego. (Philippians 2:8)

And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself and showed himself as a servant to others), even to those who called him their Rabbi (teacher) and Lord.

Maybe if we try thinking about foot-washing as an action of “emptying ourselves of ego or pride” — thinking about it as a way to imagine being more open to the possibilities of God in our lives, it can be a genuine spiritual message we can take to heart with ourselves.

I think that is what I will…
…CHOOSE to do.
Yes. Choose.

I CHOOSE to prepare myself to be more and more open to the glories of God in my everyday life, and not be afraid to wash the feet of my neighbor or of the stranger down the street who just moved in.

Not be afraid to risk being vulnerable to “less than pleasant people”, by remaining kind in the middle of conflicts or bad communication.

As Matthew 6:33 so powerfully tells me to “Seek first the kingdom of God” (meaning, look hard and learn about how God’s ways operate).

LOOK for it, in the orphaned, the widowed, the sad, the grieving.

For there, I will find Jesus, and learn from Him in following his example of humble service.

If not literally washing the feet of others, then it can be done spiritually — in acts of kindness, taking a tray of cookies to the new neighbor, speaking soft words of encouragement or thanks to those who cash me out at a store register, holding the door open for someone who has arms full of groceries or struggles with a slower walking pace.

This is humbling our-“selves”…

… simply, without the applause of men, done with kindness and honor.

Washing away the soil of sadness, pain, hostility and critical judgments through one or two intentional acts of practicing gentle humility.

No one has said it better than John the Baptist when it comes to the choice we all make in either growing in the Lord or becoming like Him,
-Or choosing to remain stagnate and self-protecting.

John said,  “In order for Christ to increase, I must decrease.”

Another translation says it even more relevantly.

“He must become greater;  I must become less.”  John 3:30

We are the foot towel folks, soothers, cleansers, healers of feet that are tired and sore and cut from the journey.

We are Christ’s “sent people…”

Wiping away the dirt and blood and spit of the world’s hatred, spewed onto the faces of the weak.

On our knees before others — and in honor, we show kindness to them…
… For Christ is there.

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled himself By…
… Becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!”  Philippians 2:8.

In His Shadow,
~ Mary Lindow ^©

Duplication and sharing of this writing is welcomed as long as complete message and website information for Mary Lindow is included. Thank You!
” THE MESSENGER ” ~ Mary Lindow
www.marylindow.com
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Mary Lindow has a passion for encouraging others – all generations, careers or vocations to live expressing excellence through personal integrity, healthy accountability, and wise management of talents and skills. She’s a sought after keynote, inspirational, humorous speaker and teacher across the USA and internationally in Ministers & Spiritual leaders Conferences, and training seminars for various organizations.

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