Jesus answered, “Those who have had a bath need only to wash their feet; their whole body is clean.” (John 13:10)
Expanded Passage: John 13:9-11
My husband and I recently found ourselves preparing for a long-term guest. In less than a week, we cleared out cupboards, closets, and drawers in a bedroom, bathroom, and portion of our kitchen we had given little attention to in years. Between sighs and laughter, we vowed to do better in the future and even started scheduling times to purge and clean the remainder of our home.
There’s nothing wrong with practicing home, personal, or what we even might call spiritual hygiene. That’s why most of us can probably relate more than we care to admit to Peter when he responded to Jesus’ admonition, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with me” (John 13:8) by saying, “Then, Lord, not just my feet but my hands and my head as well!” (v. 9). Although his naivete and zealousness may cause us to laugh, we should be circumspect lest the message be lost on us.
Cleanliness—even in the forms of the spiritual disciplines (e.g., prayer, Bible study, fasting, silence, and solitude)—never should be mistaken for godliness. If so, insecurity will make us fearful and pride will leave us smug. Instead, we should remember that God has already cleansed us and that these disciplines are means to the greater ends of loving and serving him and one another with confidence and abandon.
Ask God to reorient your motives when serving or being served.
Laurie Dashnau is professor of English and writing, and director of the writing center at Houghton University (NY). She regularly teaches Narrative and Personal Essay, and Writing about Spiritual Experience.
© 2025 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission. Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.
