Are there some jobs you will not do? Are there jobs that are dirty or strenuous or interact with people that you refuse to work in those professions? Are there tasks that need to be done around the house you won’t do? Do you refuse to clean the toilet?
There are some jobs or home tasks that make us squeamish. We don’t want to do them. They may cause our stomachs to churn. We may think they are below us. Our attitude keeps us from doing them. We may even think anyone but us and do those jobs or tasks.
I worked for a company many years ago that had the opposite culture. The two owners believed everyone could pitch in to do any job. They would take the trash out, if that was needed. They helped bring furniture and computers when the delivery truck brought them. We were all expected to pitch in to help, regardless of what our job title was.
Jesus teaches this same lesson to His disciples. It wasn’t the specific task of washing feet He was talking about. It was the willingness to do the lowliest of jobs. You see, it was the lowest level servant that washed the master or guest’s feet. His example to the disciples, one they were to follow, was to eliminate the attitude of a job or task being below us. That is not to say we cannot strive for better jobs. It is to say that we should not look down on those who are working at jobs we do not want to do and to pitch in to help, even with tasks we don’t want to do.
This attitude applies to our jobs, our homes, and our churches. It is especially important that we pitch in at church. It is everyone’s responsibility to keep it clean, even if there is a paid custodian. The work of the church requires everyone to take a vested interest. Without everyone working toward the same goal, the church will not grow, it will not progress, it will not fulfill the mission God has given it.
I pray we all follow the example Jesus has given us. I pray we rid ourselves of the attitude that some jobs are below us. I pray each one of us will choose to pitch to help wherever we can. Follow Jesus’ example. Release the negative attitude. Help one another. Be productive.
John 13:14-15 You call me Teacher and Lord, and you are right, for that is what I am. So if I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have set you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you.
Marty Pressey 