There is a great ship called “public relations” that moves throughout the world on a never-ending quest to change our viewpoint and draw our attention. Whatever the product, topic, political party, film, or music star, there is an opinion you are supposed to have which calls out to you and says, drive me, read me, order me, vote for me, cheer for me. Yet, when you stop and really think about it, both you and I stand at the helm of our own miniature version of that public relations ship as we walk through life trying to draw attention to ourselves by saying, “I’m important, too, so why not look at me, and listen to me?”
It’s interesting how it was no different in the time of Jesus, just over 2.000 years ago. Even then, everyone from political leaders, to religious leaders, to everyday fishermen clamored for attention in hopes that the people would follow. Then Christ had the amazing wisdom and fortitude to say, in Matthew 23:11, that “He who is greatest among you shall be your servant, and whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself shall be exalted.” Not only did Jesus speak these words, He backs them up in John 13 by washing the feet of His disciples before saying, “If I, then, your Lord and teacher washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.”
The challenge for us, today, is to send our mini-public relations ship away from ourselves and toward the needs of others. Our neighbor just lost a spouse; they need a friend now more than ever. That teenager, who walks around our block looking lonely, is lonely. We don’t have to stop at just writing a check and mailing it for some need halfway around the world. Loneliness and hurt reside in our very own neighborhood, and probably right next door. My friends, I think Jesus is saying “it’s time to go wash some feet.”
Here I am, Lord. Use me, lead me, guide me. Direct me to the person You want me to help. Show me how to make a difference in his or her life through You. I have ears to listen to those who are hurting, and a heart for those whose broken hearts need mending. Thank You, Lord, for letting me wash the feet of those around me just as You taught me to do. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.
Grace and Peace
Steve
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The Journey 