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Discover the heart attitude behind Christ-like service in this convicting episode of Start Small. Based on John 13:14-15, we explore Jesus' example of washing His disciples' feet and learn why humility is essential for serving as Christ serves. Moving beyond small acts and encouragement, we now examine what motivates our service and whether we're seeking recognition or genuinely loving others.
Imagine accomplishing something significant at work—staying late, solving a major problem, going above and beyond—and then... nothing. No recognition, no thank you, no one notices. How does that feel? Most of us want acknowledgment when we do good. But what happens to your motivation when no one will notice, when there's no audience, when you won't get credit? That's where humility is tested—exactly what Jesus modeled when He washed His disciples' feet.
What You'll Learn:
The Scandal of Foot Washing: At the Passover meal, someone needed to wash everyone's feet—a job for the lowest servant. But there was no servant, just Jesus and twelve disciples. None volunteered because it was beneath them, humiliating work nobody wanted. Then Jesus—their Teacher and Lord—stood up, wrapped a towel around His waist, and started washing their feet. Peter tried to stop Him because it was backwards: teachers don't wash students' feet, masters don't serve slaves. But Jesus chose the lowest position, then said "I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done."
Why We Struggle: We live in a culture obsessed with recognition—likes, shares, applause, acknowledgment. When we serve, that desire creeps in. We keep score: "Did they notice? Appreciate it? Say thank you?" We compare: "I'm doing more than they are." We seek visibility, gravitating toward service that gets noticed while avoiding behind-the-scenes work. This is pride disguised as service—doing good things for wrong reasons. Humble service doesn't keep score, need credit, or require applause.
The Test of Humble Service: Are you willing to serve when no one will know? Clean up a mess when no one sees? Help someone who won't realize you helped? Pray for someone who'll never know? Give anonymously? That's humility—serving like Jesus, who washed feet not for applause but because His disciples needed it and He loved them.
The Freedom of Humility: When you don't need recognition, you're free from anxiety about whether people noticed, disappointment when they don't thank you, and bitterness when you feel unappreciated. You serve with joy because you're not serving to get something back—you're serving because it's right and you're following Jesus' example.
This Week's Small Step: Practice humility by helping without expecting recognition. Think of something small and unglamorous that needs doing—then do it without telling anyone, posting about it, or looking for thanks. Pick up neighborhood trash, do a household chore that's not your responsibility, help someone at work without mentioning it, pay for someone's meal anonymously, or pray for someone without telling them.
Perfect for anyone struggling with people-pleasing, seeking validation through service, learning to serve like Jesus, or developing genuine humility.
Scripture Focus: John 13:14-15 Series: Start Small: Small Steps. Big Results. Week Theme: Service
