I hate having dirty feet. I hate being barefoot. In America, you will probably never see me barefoot. You’ll always see me at least wearing slippers, socks, or flip flops at all times.
In Asia, feet are considered offensive. It’s the culture to always leave your shoes at the door before entering any room, bathroom, home, and even many businesses. That leaves for a pile of shoes at the door and everyone walking around barefoot inside. That just grosses me out. I wear my chacos all the time walking around the dusty, muddy, and dirty places where I now live. So when I have to take my shoes off and then walk around barefoot, my feet are still so dirty and honestly, it’s really getting to me.
But I’ve learned a thing or two about dirty feet.
1. Living in Asia and being on the World Race is not about my feet. It’s about embracing the culture, my surroundings, the people, and my ministry. Having dirty feet is not at all comfortable for me and the ministry we’re doing would not make the list of my top 3 favorite things to do in the world. But like Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23, “Though I am free and belong to no man, I make myself a slave to everyone, to win as many as possible… To the weak I became weak, to win the weak. I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessings.”
2. The Bible refers to feet several times, and in a surprising manner! First, Jesus actually showed his humble and servant Spirit by coming and washing His disciples feet! Ew! It also says in Romans 10:15, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”
Ironically, I started writing this blog a few days ago and today Jesus taught me something about dirty feet.
During church this morning, one of my Squad brothers, Will, gave the message. In closing, he talked about servant hood and how Jesus is the ultimate example in John 13 of being a humble servant. Will then brought out a bowl of water and said that he would willingly wash anyone’s feet and pray over them, as an act of humility and service to us. My first thought was, “no way he’s not washing my feet, that’s gross!” But as I read the scriptures I was convicted of one of the disciple’s exact words when he said to Jesus (v. 8a), “No, you shall never wash my feet.” Jesus replied (v. 8b, 13-14), “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me… 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.”
With that, I got up and allowed Will and Kyle to wash my feet. They were being Jesus to me and in turn allowed me to physically see how I can be Jesus to others. To my team mates, ministry hosts, and “the least of these”.
This month has taught me a lot. Despite my preferences, I am not here for myself. I have come here to forsake it all for the cause of Christ. To tell. To show. To live. To learn. I’ll wash others feet and allow mine to be washed as well (figuratively speaking). If getting my feet a little dirty is what it takes to tell people about Jesus, then okay. I’ll embrace dirty feet.
