Day 4: See Yourself Through God's Lens

Washing dirty, stinky feet must have been humiliating for anyone not in the lowest social class. That's likely why Peter was appalled when Jesus stooped to do it. He protested, "You will never ever wash my feet (John 13:8 NLT)!"

But Jesus, unbothered, explained that it was something He must do. After washing the disciples' feet, He made His intentions clear:

"[12] After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, 'Do you understand what I was doing? [13] You call me 'Teacher' and 'Lord,' and you are right, because that’s what I am. [14] And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. [15] I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. [16] I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message.'”
— John 13:12–16 NLT

Jesus knew who He was: the Teacher, the Lord, and God's beloved Son. His humble act didn't damage His identity or lower His status; it amplified His message. His security in who He was made servanthood natural, not shameful. It wasn't beneath Him; it was part of His purpose.

So, how do we become so secure in our identity that servanthood becomes a lifestyle, not just a moment?

It begins by seeing yourself through God's lens.

Take Gideon, for example. In Judges 6, the Israelites were oppressed by the Midianites for seven brutal years. They were starving and desperate. So God called a hero, but not the one anyone expected.

Gideon was hiding food when the angel of the Lord appeared to him and said:

“Mighty hero, the Lord is with you!”
— Judges 6:12 NLT

Gideon's response?

“How can I rescue Israel? My clan is the weakest…and I am the least in my entire family!”
— Judges 6:15 NLT

Sound familiar?

Many of us, like Gideon, feel unworthy and underqualified. We question ourselves, try to prove our value to an ever-demanding world, and sometimes even lose ourselves in the process. But God doesn't see you the way the world does or even how you see yourself.

God sees your potential, not just your position.

You are custom-built by God with a unique purpose no one else can fulfill. And when you see yourself the way He sees you, acts of service no longer feel beneath you; they become your mission.

Your mistakes, status, or feelings of inadequacy do not define you.
Your Creator defines you.

So today, take a deep breath and believe this: You are God's masterpiece, created on purpose and for a purpose.

Prayer:

God, help me to see myself through Your eyes. When I feel small, remind me of the purpose You've placed inside me. Give me the courage to serve without recognition and lead by example like Jesus did. Thank You for calling me qualified, even when I don't feel like it. Amen.

Reflection Questions:

1. In what areas do you struggle to feel qualified or "enough"?
2. How might seeing yourself through God's lens change how you approach leadership or service?
3. What's one small act of service you can do today that reflects the heart of Jesus?