How many of us used to dress up like our parents, “idol”, mentor, or just someone or something that we wanted to be? You know that we have the ultimate example, Jesus, already available to emulate?
“14If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. 15For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” – John 13:14-15 (ESV)
I remember looking back when I was younger, ok much younger, and walking up to home plate at baseball practice and taking the stance of the players I watched on TV. I remember in one of the “Bad News Bears” movies where a pitcher was always trying to pitch “like” one of the pro pitchers he admired. In both instances, success for us was minimal. We were too caught up in being the other person that we missed out on the true emulation that would lead to success.
Success does not come from emulating the example of physical actions, but from the heart of the actions. What is beneath the surface is the example of how and why we act. The action of the batting “like” or pitching “like” someone was not how success would come. The success comes from the work you put in. That part that not many people see. The greatest of the pro athletes, whereas they did have immense talent for the game, put in the work behind the scenes. Nolan Ryan worked tirelessly in the weight room on his legs for a skill that required his arms. Michael Jordan was in the gym shooting more than any of us know. Ozzie Smith threw baseball over the house and ran to the other side to try and catch them as a youth.
We may look at the actions of Jesus and ourselves “wash a few feet” and expect that we are somehow being like him, and whereas that is a nice start, it is the tireless work that we do for him that really drives home the example. Jesus, put in the work for us each day and we should be doing the same. The one action that “all” sees is not the point, it is what is in our heart and the daily work we put in without the fanfare that really is the example.
Will we work at these items as the example of what is in our heart? Are you caught up trying to “wash feet” to show others, or are you just putting in the work and letting your servanthood just be done? Are you using Jesus as your example?
Trevor's Thoughts 