Do even our feet have a beautiful heavenly purpose? Mysty Pfeffer’s poignant essay “Finding Beauty in Our Serving Feet” shows us the essence of serving with our feet just as Christ did.
I’d much rather focus on how Christ bent to wash the feet of his disciples, and picture the rough, road torn feet of my Savior being blessed with the tears of a grateful woman. #Mysty Pfeffer #discipleship #serving #feet
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Finding Beauty in Our Serving Feet
The woman looked at me repulsively and said, “There is no way you are touching my feet, can’t you see how gross that is?” I laughed, and said, “Karen, you’re talking to an intensive care nurse who’s seen the ugliest parts of the human body. Trust me, feet are not ugly or gross.”
Bed baths, and soaking a patient’s feet in warm soapy water was one of the first things I learned to do in nursing school. The pleasure on my patients faces as they immersed this overused body part into the soothing water over the years are memories I still cherish today.
So, when I started making my own creams, soaps, and foot scrubs, I’d go to purse parties and offer the ladies this wonderful experience. Or so I thought.
Some were timid and willing, while a few were down right scared. Who knew? I realized quickly, feet are sensitive subjects and not quite so beautiful in the eyes of everyone.
It reminds me of the apostle Peter as the Lord Jesus knelt down to gently wash his feet the night he was betrayed. Peter was incredulous that the Lord of Lord and King of Kings would stoop to wash his feet, as if he were a lowly servant.
Yet, is it too difficult to grasp? He left the glory of heaven to become the Atoning Sacrifice for us.
It makes my meager offerings pitiful in comparison.
Although the world is his footstool, he let them scourge and trample him down as if he were nothing. Unlike me who can remember times of rearing up in pride and haughtiness when people looked down their noses at me.
At a Word, he could call the hosts of heaven to his defense and all his enemies would perish. I only had a big brother, who wasn’t much bigger than me, to call on as a defender.
However, instead of crushing the inhabitants of this unbending world under his feet, he offers them mercy and grace.
The God of creation and all things on earth condescended to take on flesh, blood, and even feet, to experience humanity first hand.
As a result, the dirty sandaled feet of our beautiful Savior fed thousands. I imagine numerous callouses forming on those beloved feet walking miles each day, as he went about healing and casting out demons.
Sure, the temptation to stay in bed a little longer and just relax, rather than serve, hit him at times. Perhaps those were the times he took advantage of getting away alone to talk with the Father.
His tireless effort to bring the good news of salvation needed replenishing and reclining for supper must have been a reprieve. However, what did he receive from some of his hosts in return?
Disdain and disrespect. One pharisee even ignored standard hospitality and the courtesy of washing his tired feet.
But a sinful woman of the city comes along and showers them with her tears of gratitude. She kisses them lovingly and dries them with her hair. He forgives her sins and sends her away in peace, leaving the pharisee to wonder about who this man thinks he is.
He has no idea he just witnessed the humble Savior at work. The One who looks straight through evil hearts, and reads minds at the dinner table. His countless miracles are well known, yet none of this fazes the religious listener. He and others at the table fail to grasp the power and authority of being in his amazing presence.
How many times is that me refusing to see his miraculous presence in my life? How he transformed the thoughts and attitude of my heart into a willing vessel. It was his loving sacrifice and example of service that melted my heart and moved my feet to do his will.
So why do I let self-doubt get in the way? More importantly, why do I let the Pharisee in others stifle Christ’s beloved work in me?
I’d much rather focus on how Christ bent to wash the feet of his disciples, and picture the rough, road torn feet of my Savior being blessed with the tears of a grateful woman.
In the midst of hatred and shame, they both display the radiance of faith in feet that share the good news!
You and I dear sister, have the same beautiful feet. We have a radiance of peace and willingness to serve others that gives the world a small glimpse of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Whether we are kneeling down before others as a nurse, serving food to our guests, or ministering to little ones in our homes, the beauty of salvation is cherished and shared.
Regardless of how our feet are viewed here on earth, they have a beautiful, heavenly purpose.
Meet Our Author Mysty Pfeffer
Mysty is a faith-based nurse educator and wellness coach specializing in mindset and behavior change. Most importantly, she loves God and His Word! She has a passion to see people live the abundant life God calls them to live. She also loves good food, gardening, developing recipes, and studying scripture. She is continually amazed and humbled by God’s Word and provision in the garden to strengthen us daily. Connect with her on Instagram and her Facebook page Mysty Pfeffer Wellness Coaching or receive weekly recipes and health tips by subscribing to www.mystypfeffer.com
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Wonderful post Mysty! This post reminds me of a song I love, “How Beautiful” sang by Twila Paris.
“How beautiful the hands that served
The wine and the bread and the sons of the earth
How beautiful the feet that walked
The long dusty roads and the hill to the cross
How beautiful, how beautiful, how beautiful
Is the body of Christ”
“How beautiful the feet that bring
The sound of good news and the love of the King…” May our feet bring the gospel and the love of Jesus to our broken world. Thanks for the beautiful reminder!