John 13:1 - It was just before the Passover Feast, Jesus knew that the time had come for him to leave this world and go to the Father. Having loved his own who were in the world, he now showed them the full extent of his love. [vs. 3] - Jesus knew that the Father had put all things under his power, and that he had come from God and was returning to God; so he got up from the meal took off his outer clothing and wrapped a towel around his waist. After that he poured water into a basin and began to wash his disciples feet, drying them with the towel that was wrapped around him [vs. 12] ...Do you understand what I have done for you?...You call me Teacher and Lord and rightly so, for that is what I am. Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater that his master nor is a messenger greater that the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
I am in the process of looking for a new church to attend, and if you have ever attempted this, it is not an easy task. It is like looking for a new family to be a part of. Today I went to a church that I really enjoyed. They are a very service oriented church and that is what I loved about it. Giving and serving others is one of the most rewarding things you can do. My mom taught me about giving to others when I was growing up. I am sure she did this a lot, but when you are in high school, sometimes you don't pay attention to everything your mom says. I don't remember exactly the whole situation but I did not want to give a gift to someone. I don't remember why or the context of the situation, but I do remember my mom saying to me there is nothing more rewarding than giving to others even when you get nothing in return. She said it so matter of fact. So, I had a choice. I could give with a pure heart with no intentions, or give in expectation of something. If you give and expect something in return, then the spirit of giving is about you and you won't get any reward from it. I remember giving my gift and I did it with the intention of not getting anything in return. It was incredible.
Having a heart of service is where God is going to bless you the most. Put others and their needs before you own and serve with a servants heart. Jesus did and we should follow His example. Jesus, knowing that He was about to be taken and hung to die on a cross, stopped to wash the feet of his disciples. Can you imagine having Jesus wash your feet? He didn't have to do this. He could have spent the last moments in other ways, but he chose to be an example of a servant to the disciples. Think about the people you encounter everyday. Is there a way you can serve them and show Christ's love to them? Allowing God to use you will make a difference in your life and theirs.
