Slaying Dragons: Selfishness — Wednesday
John 13:14-15
“Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” (NIV)
Have you ever had someone tell you, “I’m not doing that”? Maybe your kids, a coworker. Maybe you’ve said it yourself. The task is usually not difficult; it’s just not any fun. Mowing the grass, doing the dishes, or changing the furnace filters (that’s mine). We may think this job is beneath us, or maybe we just don’t want to get involved. Whatever the case, sometimes we just have to get down on our hands and knees and get a little dirty to serve someone else.
I had an opportunity about a year ago. I was taking my kids to the movies, and I looked to the side of the road and saw a man covered in blood. My first inclination, sad to say, was to call 911 and keep on moving. Someone more qualified would be by soon to help. But I couldn’t do that. I turned around, parked my car in the turning lane in the middle of the road, and turned on my flashers. I told my kids to stay in the car as I got out and walked over to the man and asked him what happened. He couldn’t talk much because he was spitting out blood. It seemed as though he had been stabbed several times, and although he didn’t seem to be bleeding out, he was bleeding a lot. I did, at that point, call 911. A woman who lived nearby gave me a stack of towels. I took one, folded it up, and placed it on his back with my hands spread as wide as I could. I was hoping I could slow the bleeding from as many of the wounds as possible. Now, it was not lost on me that I had a stabbing victim in front of me, and I didn’t know who had done this or where they were. Remember, my kids were in the car. I asked if I could pray with him; he nodded yes, and I did. Not elegant—a very rough and basic prayer. Finally, the police arrived and then the ambulance. I got out of the way and eventually drove home.
I don’t know what happened to the man or even his name. But when I was called to get my hands dirty to serve someone else, I did. I don’t always. My furnace filter still needs to be changed, and there are people on my street that could probably use my help sometimes if I would just ask. But I’m trying.
Jesus calls us to help and serve one another in small ways, just as He did when He washed the disciples’ feet.
Wednesday’s Reflection
Who in your life could use a helping hand? Ask God to show you someone that needs your help, and then just do it.