Friday, April 17, 2009

On Serving at Home

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Since we have been studying the gospel of John for the Bible Bowl competition, I have had occasion to contemplate the act of Jesus washing the disciples feet (about once a week since we tried to read the entire book each week).

Why did Jesus wash their feet? Was it because they were not capable of washing their own feet? Could he do something in the washing that they could not do themselves?

Jesus tells the disciples that what he is doing is showing them an example of how they are to treat one another.

I think it is interesting that this passage also reveals that Jesus knew who was about to betray him and he washed his feet anyway.

Sometimes, I think we get caught up in looking around at who we can serve, at who deserves our service. We sign up at the nursing home to sing, and sign up at the homeless shelter to pass out sandwiches, and sign up to build houses for the homeless, and all of those things are worthwhile, but are we missing opportunities to serve those closest to us?

When I try to have dinner ready when my husband gets home from work, it isn't because he isn't capable of stopping at a fast food joint and getting his own dinner. He could even fix himself something to eat when he got home. For that matter, he could fix all of us dinner (and sometimes he does).

I do it, though, as an act of service. If I am a Christian, I am to be Christ-like, that is like Christ. I can be like Him by doing the things He did; serving those around me.

And boy howdy! Does my husband appreciate the serving I do! He often tells me that he praises me "at the city gates" because he knows there will be something good waiting for him when he gets home.

I'm not trying to say that serving your husband is better than serving the homeless or ministering to the elderly. I just wonder how many women are missing an opportunity to serve right in their own homes because they have their focus turned outward, away from home.

Any thoughts?

10 comments:

Anonymous said...

Beautiful analogy ... and some deep thoughts. I never thought of cooking for my husband like that. Wow, what a thought. Thank you!

I also emailed you. :)

Ashley
www.homesteadblogger.com/Jonash2004

abba12 said...

I'm preparing to become a housewife and everything that goes with it, and it's good to hear things like this, it helps me out, to hear others thoughts about it.

abba12 said...

I've linked to your post here http://newbeginningsabba12.blogspot.com/2009/04/on-lighter-note.html

I hope you don't mind :)

Unknown said...

Excellent thoughts!

Sherry

Shari said...

I know exactly what you are talking about here. The Lord dealt with me in this particular department last year. And boy did it ever make our relationship oh so much better when I realized the Lord put me in my home to serve my family. Thank you for posting this subject.

Anonymous said...

Ministering to my family. So important! I'm giving away 'Fruit of Her Hands' and 'Praise Her in the Gates' on my blog. These books are all about what you are talking about. Love it. I have so much to learn.

Pat's Place said...

I agree with you that serving those around you is VERY important. Sometimes I get caught up in serving others and realize I am neglecting those closest to me.

Anonymous said...

fabulous post!

The Lockwood Family ♥ said...

After a long day in the ER yesterday, a late night in the NICU last night, our "concussion boy" needing constant watch/care, Nehemiah down with a stomach bug, and Eliseo teething, I feel so ready for a nap! And I was dreading fixing lunch for Daniel and the other 8 children who should be home from church in about an hour.
I'm so glad you wrote this...I'm still tired, but now excited to make and soon serve a meal to my family. Thank you!

Shannon said...

Wonderful post! We must learn to serve our families before we learn to serve others.

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