Serving Others as Serving Christ

[artrx]

The Grace Brethren Church i grew up in also had feet washing. it was a 2-hour long service that began with feetwashing, then a love feast(little sandwhiches), and then communion followed. It was a beautiful service, very meaningful for me and others but it was only celebrated twice a year. Washing anothers feet is a powerful experience of being a loving servant. It's symbolism is underutilized in many other churches.

 

[MrJim]

It's a wonder why this isn't more common. I think there is even something among some of the higher clergy where bishops/cardinals do a foot washing amongst themselves.

Most people I come across never heard of it.

 

[~InHisHands~]

I wonder if it isn't due to the fact, in part, that many of today's churches spend about 15 - 20 min. giving the actual sermon. The church I attend spends 40 minutes singing hymns, greeting each other, taking the offering, and doing the opening and closing prayers. Then the minister rushes through a 20 min. sermon and looking at the clock to see if he needs to speed it up so we're out in an hour. No time for washing anyone's feet there.

 

[Danfrey]

We live in a fast food culture. We want to drive through the drive up window and order our large McWorship with a small packet of McSermon to dip it in.

 

[~InHisHands~]

We live in a fast food culture. We want to drive through the drive up window and order our large McWorship with a small packet of McSermon to dip it in.

*Roars Laughing* Sadly enough though, this is true! We not only live in a fast food culture but also a throw away world. It's a shame.

 

[artrx]

We live in a fast food culture. We want to drive through the drive up window and order our large McWorship with a small packet of McSermon to dip it in.

 

[MrJim]

Does that come in sweet & sour?

 

[~InHisHands~]

*LOL* I think a couple of you boys are just silly. Not that this is a bad thing mind you.

 

[Jehane]

We have a couple of ex-Brethren at our church & they sometimes do a foot washing ceremony at home with an informal communion. Youngest & I have been & enjoyed it. It's different & I think these sort of 'hands on' rituals really help explain theology to little ones.

 

[~InHisHands~]

One of the threads I've been in lately spoke about bond servants the other day. It spoke of holding lower positions and seeing yourself as only doing what your duty is. Even if it goes above and beyond. I found this interesting because when the 5 marks of a bond servant were brought into the discussion, it sounded terribly familiar to a normal work day for me.

 

[Jehane]

See you've got yourself a new wardrobe LR. Every time I see you now I gotta check I've got the right gal!

Somehow people like to forget the part about picking up their cross & following after. Lots of chiefs but the indians are running for cover. True discipleship is a much more difficult thing than most of us like to believe. Remember, Jesus said to count the cost & I don't think he was just talking about possible martyrdom.

 

[MrJim]

And through it all it continues to be serving others as serving Christ. The cross we bear--I'm not sure exactly what and how that plays out beyond putting self to death. We are to be dying to self daily in serving.

But you'll hear people saying that this burden or that is their "cross" and I'm not sure that I agree with that application. But maybe that's part of it too?

 

[~InHisHands~]

And through it all it continues to be serving others as serving Christ. The cross we bear--I'm not sure exactly what and how that plays out beyond putting self to death. We are to be dying to self daily in serving.

But you'll hear people saying that this burden or that is their "cross" and I'm not sure that I agree with that application. But maybe that's part of it too?

I believe it is both a dying of self and their own personal burdens. I think both can work toward growth and being able to serve others in the manner with which Jesus expects. Think for a moment about carrying your cross. Then think about carrying that cross while heavily burdened. The trip will be far more difficult but the reward of getting there will be far greater.
And wasn't Jesus burdened by the wounds of the whippings while carrying his cross? He was beaten severely and likely exhausted and yet, expected to carry that cross. In the end, he rose again and was seated at the right hand of the Lord. He has his crown and his victory over death. His death was not only his reward but, ours as well.

 

[~InHisHands~]

See you've got yourself a new wardrobe LR. Every time I see you now I gotta check I've got the right gal!

*Glancing at Menno* It's all his fault.

 

[Jehane]

I musta missed something here.

 

[~InHisHands~]

Where?

 

[MrJim]

Don't blame me you did it yourself

 

[~InHisHands~]

Did not.

 

[~InHisHands~]

Any word on that icon yet Menno?

 

[MrJim]

Look here at Erwin's sig-we're on the list.