Daily in the Word

by Dr. Paul Chappell

"So after he had washed their feet, and had taken his garments, and was set down again, he said unto them, Know ye what I have done to you? Ye call me Master and Lord: and ye say well; for so I am. If I then, your Lord and Master, have washed your feet; ye also ought to wash one another's feet. For I have given you an example, that ye should do as I have done to you. Verily, verily, I say unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord; neither he that is sent greater than he that sent him. If ye know these things, happy are ye if ye do them."

John 13:12-17

Serving not only glorifies God, but it also knits together the hearts of the co-laborers.

The day was hot, the road was rough, and the travel had been long. Everyone was exhausted and was content to sit around the table and enjoy the food and conversation, but Christ chose to serve, washing the feet of His disciples.

While this action exemplifies selfless sacrifice, remember that people in Jesus' time had different customs than ours today. Travelers walked nearly everywhere they went, roads were made of dirt, and travelers often had dirty, dusty, dry, unkept feet. Their foot hygiene was not as well kept as ours is. For the Creator of the world to humble Himself enough to wash these people's feet is truly a remarkable example of service.

Jesus gave His disciples (His spiritual children) an example of service and sacrifice. He gave up what He valued in order to meet the needs of those around Him. As we lay foundations in our lives upon which we will build our families, notice the priority God puts on godly service.

Serving not only glorifies God, but it also knits together the hearts of the co-laborers. Christian togetherness comes from serving alongside fellow Christians in the church and in the community. When you work alongside fellow Christians, you grow closer to them, and are able to help minister to them. Hebrews 10:23-25 describes the benefits of Christian service, "Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching."

God wants you to get involved in your church, work alongside fellow believers, and exhort them through serving. Some of the best friends I have are those I've met while preaching or serving in churches. I know these people value God's work and are actively involved in furthering it.

Just as we saw that what we spend our money on tells what we value, so what we spend our time on shows what we value. I remember watching my parents serve God by helping out around the church and putting God's work high on their priorities. We children were taught that God is honored by sacrificial service through our parents' example.

What do your children see that you value in life? Set the foundation of service early in their life. Make sure they know that church isn't simply a weekly attendance, but it's where the family gets involved in helping other Christians and encourages others in their walk with God.

To learn more about the ministries of Lancaster Baptist Church and Pastor Chappell, please visit lancasterbaptist.org, paulchappell.com, or follow him on twitter.

Daily Bible Reading
Psalms 135-136 | 1 Corinthians 12