Read John 13:1-20
If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.
min·is·ter: attend to the needs of (someone).
Ministering in the everyday ordinary opportunities that we find ourselves in – not the ones we engineer for ourselves, but the organic opportunities that arise around us – ministering in these ordinary opportunities reveals the very character that we will exhibit in our extraordinary opportunities (whether those be negative or positive situations).
The things that Jesus did while on earth were the most menial of everyday tasks. This is an indication that it takes all of God’s power in me to accomplish even the most common tasks in His way. How we go about our homework, laundry, athletic training, bible study and all the other ordinary things in our lives reveal what we are made of more quickly than anything else. It takes God in us to complete the most menial task in the most excellent of ways.
For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.
Jesus said, “I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you” (John 13:15). Take notice the kind of people that God has brought around you – good and bad. Is God trying to reveal something to you when you consider those people? Maybe this is God’s way of revealing to you the kind of person you have been to Him. Are you prepared to exhibit to those around you exactly what Christ has exhibited to you – a selfless and obedient character as He ministered to those around Him by completing the most menial of tasks for them.
We have to go the “second mile” with God and for others, even when the opportunity to serve seems meaningless or difficult (see Matthew 5:41). Don’t wait until the next crisis in your life to figure out your own character, start living out your selfless character now. As we steadily minister in everyday opportunities, we will strengthen our character and deepen our resolve in preparation for when a crisis inevitably comes.
38 “You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ 39 But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also. 40 And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. 41 And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. 42 Give to the one who begs from you, and do not refuse the one who would borrow from you.
Credit:
Portions of this devotion were inspired by the daily devotions of My Utmost for His Highest, by Oswald Chambers. Learn more about Oswald Chambers and get his daily devotions at https://utmost.org/