Physical exercise keeps our bodies in shape. Being the physical hands and feet of Jesus by acts of service to others helps keep us spiritually fit. Jesus lived a life of serving others on a daily basis. He led others to his Father by serving them and did so with a humble heart. He washed dirty feet. He fed those who were hungry. He healed those who were ill and even dead!
When we lived in West Michigan, the church we attended had an annual event every spring called The Plunge. The purpose of this event was to plunge into the community and serve others by being the hands and feet of Jesus. Over the years hundreds of lawns have been taken care of, many small businesses have been blessed, and hundreds of gallons of paint have been used to bring life to worn walls along with hundreds of other projects of service. We didn’t do it because of the way it made us feel, that was just a sweet byproduct. We did it because we were instructed to by Jesus.
In the book of John we see that Jesus served his disciples and washed their feet. In those times that was a big task. They didn’t have nice shoes and boots to protect their feet from the elements. Their feet were covered with dirt, mud and anything else they may have encountered along the road. Cleaning their feet was not an easy task. After Jesus did this he simply instructed them by saying, “I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you.” (John 13:15)
Personal Reflection:
If Jesus had knelt down in front of you and washed your feet and then instructed you to do as he just did for you, what would that mean for you? Is it difficult for you to want to serve others? Are you so wrapped up in your daily tasks that you don’t see where you would have the time to serve anyone else? Ask our Heavenly Father to open up your days to allow you to serve others. When you ask according to His will, he will answer you!
Personal Application:
We would encourage you to start asking God not only for the time to be able to serve others but also for opportunities to serve others. He will answer that prayer too! It could be as easy as letting the elderly couple behind you in line at the grocery store check out go before you. Do you know a single parent or a couple with little ones that might need a night off? Offer to watch their little ones so they could have a night of relief. There is a multitude of simple things we can do to start a mindset of serving others. Follow Jesus’ instructions and do as he has done for us starting this month and going forward!
