If I then, the Lord and the Teacher, washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I gave you an example that you also should do as I did to you.

                                                                                                            John 13:14-15

We have already looked at godliness as being demonstrated through love, patience, and kindness. But is there another example of godliness that we can examine to assist us in becoming all that God desires from His people? In his Gospel, John has recorded a remarkable scene for us. Jesus is going to wash the feet of the disciples. We are not going to look at this event in terms of the foreshadowing that can be implied regarding the cleansing that Christ will provide at the cross nor are we going to look at the first century practice of foot washing. Only Jesus can cleanse a sinner of his/her sin and the tradition of foot washing is not as relevant as it was in that day (at least in modern society), so for these reasons, we will examine this scene from a very practical position. Jesus gave his disciples an example in which to follow. Because foot washing is limited to certain geographical regions, let’s consider the selflessness that comes from such a practice. It is not that we need to literally wash the feet of another person, but we are to regard one another as more important than ourselves, thus displaying godliness. Consider the words of Paul:

Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men.

                                                                                                               Philippians 2:3-7

Being a Christian means that we take the position of Jesus Himself, that of a servant. Scripture tells us that Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life as a ransom for many (Matthew 20:28). Therefore, we, as His followers, are to do the same. I suppose there many reasons why people are not attracted to faith in Jesus, but I have to believe that this would be one of them. Humility, selflessness, and regarding others as more important than ourselves, this is to be the norm for a godly man or woman. Talk about moving against the normal flow of the world. Jesus did not use His divinity as a reason to not come to the rescue of human souls, rather He emptied Himself of all that is rightfully His in order to become like one of us. Amazing! The God of the universe humbled Himself, by His own choosing, in order to save people like us. There is no other message that even comes close to this truth. This selflessness is at the heart of the gospel. God’s love moved Him to take on this servant position and it was all for our benefit.

Are you concerned about the benefit of others or do you have the attitude that whatever they are going through is their problem? As Christians, displaying godliness requires us to empty ourselves and to seek ways to assist and build others around us. This is an impossible task for someone not relying on the power of the Holy Spirit, but for believers this mindset is achievable by “the power that is at work in us” (Ephesians 3:20-21). Display your position in Christ today by taking on a servant’s heart, showing love, patience, kindness, and selflessness towards others!