“And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet.” (John 13:14, NLT)
“Ministering in everyday opportunities that surround us does not mean that we select our own surroundings – it means being God’s very special choice to be available for us in any of the seemingly random surroundings which He has engineered for us. The very character we exhibit in our present surroundings is an indication of what we will be like in other surroundings.
The things Jesus did were the most menial of everyday tasks, and this is an indication that it takes all of God’s power in me to accomplish even the most common tasks in His way. Can I use a towel as He did? Towels, dishes, sandals, and all the other ordinary things in our lives reveal what we are made of more quickly than anything else. It takes God Almighty Incarnate in us to do the most menial duty as it ought to be done.”
(Oswald Chambers, My Utmost For His Highest, September 11)
Photo by CDC on Unsplash
Today I am joining … Scripture & a Snapshot and Sunday Scripture Blessings and Selah .
At one point in my life I was had 5 teenagers. There were 2 of my own and 3 step-children. Everyone was with us all the time. We had 1 bathroom and no dishwasher. I learned to do all for the love of God. I practiced until I could wash the dishes cheerfully as an act of service…almost all of the time.
Kara, 5 teenagers would sure test me 🙂 But I have to say, dishes wouldn’t challenge me as I enjoy dishwashing. My challenge would be the laundry!
I’m thinking that I may not wash other’s feet, but actions and thoughtfulness and caring for others is likened to washing of the feet or at least hopefully the same. Bless the Nurses that do that every day with loving carefulness in the hospitals for those who can’t. So many ways to wash the feet of others. Have a happy Sunday.
Yes, may God bless the caregivers and front line workers in hospitals and now fighting the fires.
I need this concept in front of my eyes all the time. We imagine doing “great things ” for God, and often the greatest thing is right in front of our eyes.
Amen!
This quote needs to be framed for every mama to hang on her wall!
This reminds me a story our Pastor told us. In short, a pastor was visiting one of his parishioners, an elderly woman. She was troubled as she felt she had not achieved enough for the LORD. He asked about her children and it turns out they were all in ministry. When the pastor pointed this out to her, she realized that, yes indeed, she had accomplished much for Him. Let us be aware that everything we do, we do as unto the LORD. It will not return void. Thank you for this precious reminder!
I love the story! So grateful His Word will not return void as it is an accomplishing word.
What a beautiful encouragement and challenge to us – especially as mothers, when we feel unappreciated as we go about the endless daily tasks. If I could see each menial chore as an act of service and love, and an expression of Christ living through me, how would my attitude be different? May it be so.
It is a challenge to keep this thought in the forefront of our minds when we are overwhelmed with all we need to do. I pray it is so for us all.