I have the unique experience…

… of being near individuals who enjoy at first sign of summer to begin walking barefooted until late in the year obviously getting their feet very dirty. These Amish folks also have the tradition of foot washing on occasion as part of their religious faith. I thought of them as I read John 13:5 where we are told Jesus washed the feet of His Talmidim (disciples). In this example the point was made to follow through on His teaching recorded in Mark 10:43-44. The emphasis being to back up what you say with consistent action which is a lesson Christians and others could well learn from today when our words come from the truth of Scripture.

This display of humility was oft practiced in the Jewish home for visitors by either a servant or the host’s wife and in the instance of the Gospel of John showed Jesus as servant even unto those who would betray him (Judas). To be great in the eyes of God you must be a servant. In fact an individual by the name of Richard Baxter once said and I agree “it is a contradiction to be a true Christian and not humble”. The greatest must be servants even to those who would hurt us.

To grow in humility we must first accept our sinful nature. Christ Himself pointed this out in Luke 18:13-14. Sadly in our society today the direction is contrary to this encouraging inflated pride and acceptance of most all behavior as correct. A world of “I’m okay, You’re okay” is not likely to acknowledge the reality of sin as it should.

Humility also begins when we understand our unworthiness pointed out by Jesus in the parable of the lost son in Luke 17-21. One of mankind’s most difficult things to do is admit that we are not worthy or deserving of what we may be receiving. Human nature being greedy would pull us in an opposite direction. King Solomon was one who understood his unworthiness and prayed to God for understanding (1 Kings 3:6-14) as he knew his limitations. Humility brings us to God and does not focus on ourselves.

Unless we understand the holiness of God as the prophet Isaiah did (chapter 6) and that in God alone we have our model for how to live a life which is approved by Him we may never understand what it means to be humble but if we forsake our human nature and desire to follow in the footsteps of Christ there may yet be hope for us. To begin that journey ask yourself WHO’S FEET WILL YOU WASH?

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Humility is hollow when it rings with the hypocrisy of lives focused inwardly.

DEVOTIONAL VERSE FOR TODAY: John 13:5 “humility through servant-hood”.

PRAYER FOR TODAY: Lord I desire to be a servant to all mankind.

QUESTIONS TO THINK ABOUT:

*** Gary Jerke *** Is a former S.D. State Representative, author and Life and Liberty News contributor

Read more from Gary at Encouraging Others in Christ