Service as a Spiritual Discipline

Devotional Reading: For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.John 13:15 ESV

In my experience, disciplining myself to serve when I didn’t feel like it has often resulted in a joy of serving I wasn’t expecting. Other times serving remained a challenge that required me to draw on God’s strength to accomplish the task. In both cases, I’ve grown in the process. Whether serving comes naturally or it’s something you have to work at, we’ll see how fundamental a serving spirit is to the heart of Jesus. And how necessary each of our gifts is to the body of Christ.

In the ancient world, hosts offered the common courtesy of washing the feet of their guests. However, the most menial of slaves would typically be the one to carry out the task. But on this occasion, Jesus took up the basin and towel. After all this time of living life with His disciples, Jesus was making a profound point to them.

Since foot washing doesn’t appear to have grown into a major practice of the early church, I believe Jesus was modeling a lifestyle of servanthood and humility more than anything else.

We don’t have to get fancy or elaborate with serving. We don’t have to run out and start a non-profit tomorrow. Remember what Jesus modeled in John 13—humility, love, care, and a servant’s heart. This is what He’s asking of us.

Prayer and Confession
Jesus, help me to follow your example of service on love, care and humility. Amen!

Further Reading: Matthew 23:11, 1Peter 4:10.