Once I volunteered at a youth group at a local church. I was super excited to help out and couldn’t wait to meet the youth and impact them in some way. When asked how I can help out, I was given a broom and asked if I could help them sweep the room which the youth were going to use. I was in shock; for some reason I deemed myself too important, too gifted to sweep. I wanted to do something more ‘meaningful’. I wanted a stage, a name–but I didn’t want to sweep. We are a part of a generation that wants a purpose & identity which will make us great or important, but I am learning that God has called us all to serve. Where do I get this notion from?
‘Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into His hands, and that He had come from God and was going to God, rose from supper and laid aside His garments, took a towel and girded Himself. After that, He poured water into a basin and began to wash the disciples’ feet, and to wipe them with the towel with which He was girded.’ – John 13:3-5 (emphasis added)
I have always heard about Jesus washing His disciples feet but it was only as I read the passage with greater focus I noticed verse 3 more clearly. Jesus knew who He was, that He was from God, was going to God and all things were in His hand (because He was God). And knowing the greatness and majesty of who He was- He knelt down to wash His disciples feet. The two don’t seem to link and yet in the kingdom of God things work a lot differently.
‘Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men.‘ – Philippians 2:5-7 (emphasis added)
Though Jesus was God, He humbled Himself and made Himself of no reputation. We as Christians are called to be the same. In this day and age when we are so caught up in how amazing we all are, it’s easy to be puffed up. But truly, how can we boast? ‘For who makes you differ from another? And what do you have that you did not receive? Now if you did indeed receive it, why do you boast as if you had not received it?‘- 1 Corinthians 4:7 (emphasis added)
In short, we are not better than anyone else. It is only the grace of God that we are where we are. We are called to daily clothe ourselves with humility (Colossians 3:12; 1 Peter 5:5). No one is too important that they can not serve, even in small capacities. Remember we are a body and not every part of the body seems significant but whatever we do for God is significant–whether small or large. So if it’s sweeping a room, washing dishes or preaching for Christ, do it with all your might (Colossians 3:23).
‘So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless.’ – 1 Corinthians 15:58 NLT (emphasis added)
