Other than a personal hygiene issue, what is dirty feet?

Dirty feet is the initiative our student ministry is making to get involved and serve the church and the community.  Jesus was not afraid to "get his feet dirty" and get involved.  When it comes to servant hood, Jesus is the ultimate good example.

As stated many times, the mission of EBC is to "Introduce people to Jesus Christ, and develop His followers to Christ like Maturity."  Time and time again through the Gospels, we find examples of Jesus serving.  There is His example of washing disciples feet, he fed thousands with a single loaf of bread and some fish, He loves us and serves us.  He is also quite clear that He demands that we be servants as well.  What did He tell Peter upon the reaffirmation of Peter's ministry?  "Feed my sheep".

So, in the interest of helping to develop our students to mature followers of Jesus Christ, Nathan and the student team has started an initiative called Dirty Feet.  Keep an eye on our young people and you're going to see them serving in various capacities.

I encourage everyone to take a moment and talk to some of these young people.  You will be amazed that behind the sometimes scruffy hair, or sloppy dress, there lies the heart of a true servant and follower of Jesus Christ.  These kids are awesome and their love for the Lord is genuine.

As old "grey beards" we need to foster their devotion to Jesus.  We need to look far beyond outward appearances and, as Jesus does, look into their hearts.  You will find these kids are quite mature, they have deep feelings for the Lord, they have deep feelings about serving each other and the community, and they very much want to be accepted for who they are.

Assuming we really want to be Jesus to others, let's start with the teens of our church.  Jesus does not care if they comb their hair, He does not care if they're wearing flip-flops, and Jesus does not care if their shirts are tucked in.  Jesus cares about what is in their hearts.  I'm sure you will find their hearts are good and like Jesus, you're going to love them.

One thing I will caution as you get to know our teens.  They're going to make YOU look in the mirror and consider "What am I doing."  Quite frankly, from what I've seen of our kids, all of us "adults" can learn a lesson or two from them.

Remember, THEY are the future of not only EBC, but of the Church.  Our time of leadership and church activity will pass.  These kids, in 10 or 20 years will be the church leaders.  They will be committee chairs, they will be Deacons, and some of them will be ministers.  Unfortunately, without proper mentoring and guidance, some will drift away from the Lord, while I'm in no position to speak for Jesus, I have to believe watching one of these precious sheep drift away breaks his heart the same as it does mine.

So, please take a moment to get to know one (or more) of these kids.  Don't judge their outward appearance or clothing, but listen to their heart.  Guide them, mentor them and help to fulfill our church mission of introducing people to Jesus Christ and to developing His followers to Christ like Maturity.

In case you think Jeff may have lost his mind (not a totally unreasonable assumption) please go read Matthew 19:13 and Matthew 19:14.

Random thought for the day.
Jeff