Wash Whose Feet?

This wasn’t what Jesus said. This was a comment that someone made, at a meeting I attended, in response to my question about would we be willing to wash each other’s feet.

We are called to be disciples and to show love for each other. The question is how do we do that? When Jesus washed the Disciple’s feet he not only was serving them but he was showing them his love for them.

Many comments were made at this meeting about how hard it is to love people because of their behavior and their attitude.

In washing feet, personal hygiene was brought up. How would we deal with dirty feet, poorly manicured toe nails, other foot related issues and dirty water?

Wow. I don’t remember Jesus talking about any of those things. He sure saw people differently than we do. We see people with foot problems but Jesus sees people to love.

Are some or all of us incapable of washing other’s feet? Of showing them love?

Hey I can say thank you and smile at somebody when they are taking my money at the checkout counter. Isn’t that enough? Apparently not.

Other comments were made by people at the meeting who said they would gladly wash the feet of others. That it was an attitude. And some had washed feet previously.

What was explained was how the person who washed feet changed their attitude from being repulsed by dirty feet to realizing that Christ wants us to love and to serve others.

As a result of the change in attitude came better looking and better maintained feet which were easier to wash.

Was this coincidence? I prefer to believe that as we change our hearts to be more like Jesus and we become more willing to follow His teaching we see people differently.

And we begin to do things that we would not have previously done.

Respect

I knew a guy who was concerned that he wasn’t getting the appropriate amount of respect from his family. He was a rugged and tough-acting kind of guy who provided well for his family. One you wouldn’t expect to utter this type of need.

It went back to how his parents treated him. He had placed several layers of protection around himself as a result of that treatment. No physical or sexual abuse occurred but some perceived emotional stuff.

I don’t think his family was too concerned about his emotional needs. After all he was expected to be the leader and supposed to take care of their needs.

His view of respect was different from his family’s view.

Is respect in the eye of the beholder? I think so. Many men think if they overcome the obstacle, achieve the goal or accomplish the task they will be respected. Possibly by their peers but even that isn’t guaranteed.

Families see respect differently. It’s all about character. Keeping commitments, doing what you say you will do, encouraging, teaching, loving, being honest – just being there.

Are you doing the right things for your family? The things God wants you to do?

If you aren’t getting respect then look at yourself first. Don’t blame your family, friends or co-workers.

Did Jesus demand or expect respect as He led the disciples? Jesus wanted to please God, to honor and glorify Him.

What will it be for you? Here’s a hint: I don’t think God likes whiners!

My response to a blog post on Obedience.

I find that when I get all wrapped up in me I don't have time to get wrapped up in God. And I miss what He wants me to hear or know.

It takes effort for me to pray, to read the Bible and to obey God a lot of the time.

But when I do obey I feel closer to God and I know that He is there.