If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet —John 13:14
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 use 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. – My Utmost for His Highest Sept. 11th 2011
Let me say that this spoke to me. We so often think we have to have so much in order do minister to people. I am guilty of this – you know what I am talking about – I have to have this or that to be effective for Christ. When I heard this and then read it later it spoke to me that I do not need those things. Just think that Jesus did a powerful act with a towel, a bowl, and water – ordinary things in life. Jesus used the ordinary to do the extraordinary and we so often think we have to have the extraordinary to do the ordinary. It is simply not the case. We have so many ordinary things around us that we can do extraordinary things with if we just allowed God to lead us.
Let me ask you: Does this speak to you at all? If it does, what does it say to you? Do you see something different from me? Please share it.
IMHO no one should be above the menial. I feel that even the pastor should be willing to clean toilets, scrub floors, wipe up messes, if that is what is needed. No one is immune. Whenever we get high and mighty I have to wonder if there is ever a time we are further from Kingdom living than then. Good thought my friend.
I agree that no one should be above the menial. It gets me fired up to see Pastor’s especially who have a list of things that they are not willing to do because they are beneath them. I have a policy that I will never ask anyone to do something that I would not / have not done / would not do again. I have seen God work mightily in those times when people step down and do something they think they are above.
Thanks Bill!
When I look at Jesus life, I see his love and passion. Yes, he did miracles, yes he preached, but his reputation among the town was that he was a drunk and a glutton. So, he spent most of his time with people, eating, talking, having conversations. Simple, real life stuff. Yes preaching is important, yes, healing and miracles are as well. But life is made up more for the real, honest, hands on moments around a dinner table, or a Starbucks, or a bus stop talking to someone and making them part of your life. Nobody should be too good to do that. True Christianity is about relationships and a hands on experience.
Excellent thoughts my friend! Thanks for sharing it Moe!
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Glad Bill sent me here. Funny I just read this morning in Nehemiah all of the responsibilities, duties, jobs, appointments, performances and help so many did for that time in Judah. Keeping inventory of utensils? That crossed my mind as menial…yet all are just as important as the other. Simple heart of love and service. Thanks!
That is a great example from Nehemiah Tom. Glad Bill sent you my way too! Thanks for reading and commenting.