Foot washing thoughts

Foot washing thoughts

John 13

“Why foot washing, Lord? Why should we wash one another’s feet?”

As with many of the things of God the answer is many faceted.

The answer came. “Which part of the body consistently makes contact with the world?”

We aught to wash one another’s feet. In humility and respect we cleanse each other from the dirt of the world that clings to us. It is easier for others to see the dirt than us at times. Unless you are unusually limber the bottoms which directly contact the earth are difficult to see. But a foot washer can easily raise the feet and see the dirt. The lies and distortions of truth derived from this dirty world hinder our walk and could infect and cripple us if not cleansed away, especially if we have open wounds.

We are charged to serve one another in humility.

Does the hand feel superior to the foot? No, the hand must hear from the head just like the foot. Hands are much more facile than feet but they can’t get you anywhere. That is the job of the feet and supporting legs.

When we wash the feet of brothers and sisters what is our attitude? Do we criticize the appearance of the feet which are arguably the least esthetically pleasing of the body parts? Their feet are what God has made them to be, none of our business. Everyone has a peculiar walk with the Lord. We must not intrude on the private place between the Father and our siblings. We must not interject ourselves into the direct communication between the Head and the member. Our business is with the dirt. Our cleansing should do no harm.

Celebrity worship has no place in the body of Christ. That is idol worship, like the folks whose god is their belly. We are all members of one body, differing in function. We can all wash and be washed from the obscure to the famous.

Here we are online, in a Facebook group, having never met each other physically. How can foot washing be accomplished? With the washing of the water of the word. How should it be done? As if it were Jesus feet. Would you belittle Him?

Jesus answered Peter’s impetuous blurting about getting his whole body cleansed by saying that if you have washed yourself you only need your feet washed. Much of our cleansing is between us and God, it is personal. Our modesty is respected by God, others have no right to see the whole of what God sees about us. Again, none of their business.

What is the major sign of maturity? What signifies that we can take strong meat? Love of the brethren without pretending. We speak the truth in love to one another. If our admonishments are not delivered with fruit they are not likely from the Head. We don’t stomp on feet, we cherish them.