The other day I was blessed with an opportunity to do something many people feel is revolting, disgusting, and just plain nasty. I know that sentence can catch many people off guard. You might ask, “Why in the world would you want to do something that is in simple terms, Gross?” Well, to me, doing what is considered gross to many people brought peace, joy, and showed a multitude of love to people most often forgotten. Many people believe it is a chore that should be thrown to someone below them, I ask you to reconsider that point of view. Doing this honor to people will grow you in the best ways possible. It will humble you and give you a grander perspective on service. You will understand better how helping “The least of these” truly is doing so for Christ. The biggest benefit is seeing those you serve being filled by your compassion for them.
Many of you are asking now, “what is it that you did?!”
Well to answer that question simply, I washed the feet of the homeless in Guatemala. Yes, I washed their nasty, disgusting, and smelly feet. Some feet were falling apart, skin was hanging from all corners of their feet. Some feet had bloody toes, which would probably become infected if not cleaned. Some feet had sores that were oozing because they were not treated. These feet were bad. While cleaning their feet, I didn’t sit looking and thinking about how sick this was. Instead, I look each person in the eyes and smiled. I presented them with the joy that I had and shared it unhindered by the smell or physical appearance of their feet. It was an even greater moment when they smiled back, knowing that this service was done in love, not out of obligation.
All this reminds of the times when washing feet appeared in the Gospels. I particular, I want to look at John 13 when Jesus washed His disciples’ feet. Jesus, in humility, washed the feet of his followers, even those of whom would betray him. The biggest takeaway from this is not the actual act of washing feet, but Jesus’ response after doing so. He tells his disciples in verses 14-17: “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you should do as I have done to you. Most assuredly, I say to you, a servant is not greater than his master; nor is he who is sent greater than he who sent him. If you know these things, blessed are you if you do them.”
See Jesus set the example and then tells us to follow that instruction accordingly. Washing feet in the street was a dirty business, something that people do not like to do. Jesus, though, went before me and washed the feet of those around him as an example that I to would do the same. I am here today to say that following that command to do so has been humbling and has shown me a side of ministry that might look dirty, but is truly satisfying to partake in. I am sitting thanking Jesus that He was glorified through me washing feet and I thank him for the example he set for me.
I hope everyone who reads this can find in their own situation a time to wash the feet of those in need. It will honestly change your perspective, all you need to do is follow the example of Jesus.
Thanks for reading this blog, God has truly been growing me and challenging me in new ways since being on The World Race. I need a little under $1,400 to be fully funded. If you feel lead to give, the donation is greatly appreciated and know you are helping to transform people through the ministry we are doing all over the world. Thanks again!
