GODLY vs. GODLIKE

Most people read the story of Jesus washing the disciples’ feet in John 13:1-17 and interpret it as a command to humble themselves and sacrificially serve others, and that is certainly a right and true interpretation. In fact, it is the primary meaning of that text. However, it is equally true, yet less commonly emphasized, that it is also a command to let others serve us in our neediness.  

There are many in the church today who need to be confronted again with the truth that, as followers of Jesus' example, they must actively use their gifts, and their homes, and their time, and their cars to be a blessing and a help to others through Christian service, but, in the main, I have always found Christian communities to be marked by an open-handed generosity and a willingness to serve sacrificially. Maybe not perfectly, and maybe not everyone, but for the most part Christian communities seem to evidence a wonderful heart of service. This is not only something that I have personally experienced and benefitted from, but, as a pastor, I also often hear the stories from others of the extraordinary and challenging example that some are setting with their radical commitment to serve as Jesus served.

But let me ask you something. Which seems like the harder assignment to you; washing someone’s feet or letting someone wash yours? Which is harder;  to show up like a knight in shining armor in the midst of somebody’s crisis, or to meekly ask for help?

Sometimes the strongest servants have the hardest time allowing others to serve them. Those who love to meet the needs of others often have the hardest time seeking help for their own needs. And. This. Is. Sin.

There is a thin line between trying to become like God in character and trying to become like Him in essence. When we serve others sacrificially we are imitating the character of our God, but when we act as though we are self-sufficient and have no needs we present ourselves as being God’s equal. This betrays a grasping desire for the place of God, rather than a desire to be like Him. Both pursuits are, in a sense, acts of worship but the object of worship changes away from God and toward the self when we refuse to confess neediness within the body. This is spiritual embezzlement and a misappropriation of glory!

Fellow Christian, it is true that you were made by your Creator with certain strengths and gifts, but it is also true that you were purposely designed with limitations and areas of weakness. Both are from God for your joy. You are gifted in order that you might be a blessing and a help, and you are limited in order that you might be blessed and helped. The church is intended by God as a community where we meet needs according to our strengths and have our needs met according to the strengths of others.

Christians are needy people, and this is so because need is the very fuel of worship. If you find yourself unable to enter into worship it is because you feel no particular need for God. As Luke 1:53 says, “He has filled the hungry with good things, and the rich he has sent away empty.”

If we are not honest with one another about the needs in our lives--- if we try to be godlike rather than godly--- we miss out on the joy of having our needs met within the diverse giftings of the body, and we rob others of the joy of using their gifts in service to us. Of highest concern, however, is the fact that we rob God of His glory because if we do not humbly confess our need, instead of our unified testimony being that of a community where needs are being met by Christ through His body, the church, then our testimony is that we are a community of little gods. Self-sufficient do-gooders. Again, This is spiritual embezzlement and a misappropriation of glory! Peter said to Jesus, “Lord, do you wash my feet?" and  “You shall never wash my feet.” Jesus answered him, “If I do not wash you, you have no share with me.”

Some Christians need to be reminded of the necessity of joyous service, but others, like Peter, need to be reminded of how needy they are.  

Another question, what is your greatest need today? 

Health scares? Cracked teeth? Marriage in crisis? Depression? Addiction? Sin-habits? Crushing Debt? Wayward children? Are you anxious about something? Are you contemplating suicide? Are you lonely? What is the need in your life that your mind returns to over and over again throughout the day?

Does anyone in your church family know about that need?

You are not designed to carry that load alone. It will crush you if you do not allow others to share. If no one in your church family knows about your need, then you don’t need to be told to wash other people’s feet. You need to be told to let others wash yours.