Articles
Servants
There are many examples of why Jesus is the model servant we should be striving to emulate. One such example is in John 13 when Jesus humbled himself to wash the disciples’ feet on his knees. Even today there is much aversion about touching, rubbing and dealing with another’s foot. But two thousand years ago, our savior Jesus washed all the feet of the people who devoted their own lives to serve him. As we should know, Jesus’s act was not about feet; it was about humility! He even washed the feet of Judas, the very man who would betray him for the price of a slave’s life.
I hope we can reflect on Jesus’s example and see the price we put on others’ lives. The price isn’t always monetary, but what is the price we choose to stop at when helping another? What is the price or reason we choose to not even begin to help? Which brings us to motivation, a parallel to price that Jesus was also a model servant at, because he and our Father are the epitome of true love. When Christ helped others he did not care what day of the week it was, he did not weigh the costs, nor did he seek reward or praise. What is our motivation as we act for others? Is our “gift” to others a gift for ourselves, too?
When we receive the service of another, are we receiving that gift with love as well? Try not to block others’ blessings or opportunities that show us that we are loved. As a child, were we not chastised by our elders when berating a gift or disheartening the giver? The same is true even as adults: we have people who love us and will want to show us that love in the ways they feel are best. And if you are someone who does not have faith in Christ, do not think these lessons do not apply to you as well. I wish you would be open to learning about the power Christ can be in your life as he is in ours. To be open or not is your choice, but at the very least I would ask you: wouldn’t you rather be a light that shines bright for all (including you) to be uplifted, than to be otherwise? As we go through life, let us seek those who are sad or in need, let us show true love, let us use our past as encouragement and let our hearts and actions become gifts.
What verses inspire you? These inspired me: Exodus 21:32; Romans 15:4; Genesis 40:1-8; 1 John 3:16-18; 1 Peter 4:7-10; John 13:1-20; Luke 14:1-12.
