“The woman who willingly takes on the identity of a servant, in the name of Jesus, is not stepping down, though our culture might view it in that light.  In the eyes of God, she is stepping up…” Jan Winebrenner, Intimate Faith.

What if that were your job title?  Just imagine you are at a Chamber of Commerce meeting and when someone greets you and asks what you do, that is your response?  I know we don’t all get paid for our areas of service, but ideally, the fact that we are servants of the King should be at the forefront of our minds, permeating everything we do.

It is easy to feel stepped on, or like we are taking a step down when we stoop to serve.  But in reality, we are never nearer to Jesus that when we do it.  He was the one who gave us the example of the towel and wash basin.  He was the one putting his hands in the dirty water.  He was the one expressing the love that only a Father could give.  Pure unadulterated love and forgiveness.  He filled up the ordinary moment with glory.  He blessed the trivial with heavenly value.

In John 13, you can read the story of Jesus washing His disciples feet.   “So if I, the Master and Teacher, washed your feet, you must now wash each other’s feet. I’ve laid down a pattern for you. What I’ve done, you do.”

It’s our turn!  He did it, then he turned and handed us the towel!  Everywhere we go, we carry this glory and beauty with us.  At first glance, it doesn’t appear as glorious.  It’s dirty and wet and nasty looking.  Ugh!  And it seems so insignificant!  But even the small things we do to serve, when done out of love for our King, become grand.  Our service may not be dramatic, but with the power of God we can do what we’re afraid of.  We can be kind to the mean old grumpy guy next door.  We can sit with our ailing parent when it’s so hard to watch.  We can give to a needy stranger on the street.  What we may think of as yucky, gross, unpleasant, even impossible can be done in His strength.

“…As a result, for her (this woman who steps up), will be a surging increase in the level of confidence she has in God and an ever-increasing boldness in her faith.”

The woman who serves, gains confidence?  She gains boldness?  Through serving?  I know we all want more of that!  This week, let us be found stepping up!  That’s what He calls us to!  We step up by stooping down.