Power often leads to impious behavior. 

Acknowledging those God loves on every level is a foundational Christian responsibility.

The scripture says to Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:30-31

Being a religious zealot is blinding oneself to the cause of Christ. A person can get so wrapped up in knowledge that they forget how to be instructed. 

Herod knew, but the Magi sought after.

In Luke chapter 7, verses 36-50, we read about a sinful woman.

One of the Pharisees asked him over for a meal. He went to the Pharisee’s house and sat down at the dinner table. Just then a woman of the village, the town harlot, having learned that Jesus was a guest in the home of the Pharisee, came with a bottle of very expensive perfume and stood at his feet, weeping, raining tears on his feet. Letting down her hair, she dried his feet, kissed them, and anointed them with the perfume. When the Pharisee who had invited him saw this, he said to himself, “If this man was the prophet I thought he was, he would have known what kind of woman this is who is falling all over him.” Jesus said to him, “Simon, I have something to tell you.” “Oh? Tell me.” “Two men were in debt to a banker. One owed five hundred silver pieces, the other fifty. Neither of them could pay up, and so the banker canceled both debts. Which of the two would be more grateful?” Simon answered, “I suppose the one who was forgiven the most.” “That’s right,” said Jesus. Then turning to the woman, but speaking to Simon, he said, “Do you see this woman? I came to your home; you provided no water for my feet, but she rained tears on my feet and dried them with her hair. You gave me no greeting, but from the time I arrived, she hasn’t quit kissing my feet. You provided nothing for freshening up, but she has soothed my feet with perfume. Impressive, isn’t it? She was forgiven many, many sins, and so she is very, very grateful. If the forgiveness is minimal, the gratitude is minimal.” Then he spoke to her: “I forgive your sins.” That set the dinner guests talking behind his back: “Who does he think he is, forgiving sins!” He ignored them and said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace.”

Today, I told God, "Well, I blew that after someone I thought was trying to cut in line simply wanted to exit the line at a drive-thru." My thought was that I wasn't submissive and kind. I sin. I am not perfect. He gives me tests, and I often blow them. He forgives me, and we try again. He blesses me, too. Through life experiences, he has taught me to wash feet. I may not literally wash feet, but he calls me to see needs and meet them in many ways. 

I want to take the time to recognize those he places before me. I want to acknowledge each person because we are in this together. We are worthy through the grace of God.

This Christmas season leads us to a new year, and I pray that we all consider being the hands and feet of Jesus, even when it isn't easy, to be willing to wash someone's feet or do whatever God calls us to do.