To give you a little bit of background, just over a year ago I moved in with an elderly lady. By me living here it helps prevent her from going into a facility, but also benefiting myself. Also, I believe through a sequence of situations God led me to this place, to serve by caring for this woman and being a light for her and her family (along with other reasons). Of course living with someone who needs assistance the tasks will vary. Some tasks are tedious, while some are unmentionable and not so pleasant, for either of us. In this case I was asked to give the woman a shower. She does not prefer to get into the shower, so I knew she wasn’t going to let me. I decided to break it down by starting with her feet. I said “tomorrow I would like to wash your feet.” When it came time to do so she looked hesitant. But I was reminded of Jesus washing His disciple’s feet (John 13:1-17). So I asked her, “You know Jesus washed His disciple’s feet?” She said, “Yes, I remember that part.” Then I continued that to share about it being a task that most people looked at as being a lowly, but that Jesus had also said He had come to serve, not be served (Mark 10:45).
After this little discussion I asked her again if I could wash her feet, where she then succumb to my request.
As I washed her feet it had me thinking about the resistance she gave and how the disciples (more specifically mentioned, Peter) were even more resistant to having Jesus wash their feet. It was a humiliating task, meant for servants, and certainly not for the Son of God. But Jesus humbled Himself, showing that there is no task we shouldn’t be willing to do for another. We are to follow His example and serve, and to do it in His name. The act of washing her feet brought me to tears (well watery eyes). It reminded me the reason I am living here. And that’s largely to serve. To be humbled. Do the tasks that no one necessarily wants to do. To help someone who is no longer independent and needs help with humiliating and embarrassing tasks, yet be humble enough to allow the other person to retain their dignity.
I have gotten comfortable in my role in this home by helping where needed day to day, that I forgot why I was doing it. Sure, it gives me a roof over my head and allows me to pay my bills (I benefit from the arrangement too), but looking at the big picture I know why I’m here. I am here to serve for the Lord, in His name.
So it had me asking myself, but also I felt lead to share this in a blog post, “Are you doing the work for the Lord? Or are you doing it for selfish ambition?”
Does it fill a need for yourself?
Do you bless, to feel blessed?
If you do something for someone, do you hope you get payment in return?
Do you only do something if you think you’ll get something back?
Does it make you look good?
Do you boast in your deeds?
Maybe it’s good to ask ourselves from time to time, why we do what we do. What’s the motivation? Who are we doing it for?
The purpose for serving for Lord isn’t for gain or vain, but in obedience.
And because our God loves His children, He fulfills our needs and blesses us.
Feel free to share your story of what you do to serve and how you may have struggled with focusing on why you do it.
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