July 25: Washing Each Other's Feet

Who cleans up after the meeting? Who makes the coffee, puts away the chairs, wipes down the tables? Have you ever been that person?

On the night before He died, Jesus got up from dinner, tied a towel around His waist, and washed His disciples’ feet. In that culture, it was a servant’s job. Feet were dusty and dirty from walking in sandals. Nobody wanted that job. Jesus took it.

Then He said something simple. I’ve given you an example. Do what I did.

This is humility you can see. Not a feeling. An action. Jesus, who had every right to be served, served. If He could do that, what job is beneath you?

Service is one of the strongest tools for staying sober. When you serve, you get out of your own head. You stop thinking about your problems for a while. You feel useful. And you become part of something bigger than yourself.

Start small. Arrive at a meeting early and help set up. Stay late and stack chairs. Make the coffee. Greet the newcomer at the door. At church, ask where they need help. At home, do the job nobody wants. Clean the bathroom without being asked. Take out the trash before anyone notices it’s full.

Pride says, “That’s not my job.” Or, “I’ve got more important things to do.” Or, “Someone else will get it.” Humility picks up the towel.

There’s a quiet joy in this kind of service. Nobody’s clapping. Often nobody notices. But you know, and God knows. And slowly, the person who used to only take becomes someone who gives.

Remember that Jesus washed Judas’s feet too. Service isn’t only for people we like.

One thing today

Find the least glamorous job in your home, workplace or meeting today, and do it without being asked or telling anyone.

A prayer

Lord Jesus, You washed feet. I’ve spent a lot of my life wanting to be served. Teach me to pick up the towel. Show me the job no one wants, and give me a glad heart doing it. Amen.

Humble service is one of the clearest ways to live out Step Seven.

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