Theme of the Week: The 7-Day Husband Challenge
Scripture Reading: John 13:1-17
Have you ever washed someone’s feet? The first wedding I officiated; the couple wanted to wash one another’s feet as a symbol of service to one another.
I remember during the cocktail hour when I stopped to say hi to some of my friends who are non-Christians. It wasn’t long before they asked, “Hey, what was with the foot bath?”. I don’t entirely recall how I handled that question, but what I do remember is how they were emotionally moved by its significance and symbolism.
If you are unfamiliar with why some Christian’s practice foot-washing, you can read about it in John 13.
Jesus, shortly before he would be arrested and eventually killed –he took a moment demonstrate something profound to his disciples by washing their feet. As he knelt to the ground and washed between their toes, he was communicating that:
- To lead means to serve.
- To love means to serve.
And he would serve them to the greatest extent just a few short days later when he laid down his life for their sake.
Serving isn’t pretty – it’s uncomfortable and messy. But it’s key if you want to love and lead well. In Matthew 20:26, Jesus described this type of serving like this: “… instead, whoever wants to become great among you must be your servant…”
Do you want to be a great husband? Then become a great servant.
A great servant doesn’t serve for his own selfish motive, or what he might gain from the act. He serves because he simply loves his wife.
Just before washing his disciples’ feet, John described Jesus as loving his disciples “to the end.”
Serving our wives is not results based or in secret hope that we might get something in return. Rather it’s about loving our wives to the very end – just as Jesus loves the Church.
How do you serve your wife?
Perhaps it’s by scraping her frosty car window before she heads off to work.
Maybe its folding laundry or a foot rub after a long day? For me, one definite way is letting my wife sleep in and taking the morning routine with our daughter.
For every couple – serving will look different, and if you aren’t sure where to begin – ask her. I’m sure she will be quick to tell you.
Challenge
Think of one way to serve your wife. And do it. It will look different for every couple – so think of a way that your wife will appreciate it.
Conversation Prompt
Is there a way that I can help lighten your mental load each day? What can I take off your plate?
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