My church just concluded a sermon series entitled, “Learning to play well with others” and to wrap things up, the pastors gave us this 30-day challenge. I thought I’d share it here on my blog in case anyone would like to join in – for a day or for all 30 days. Since I know not everyone will be on board for this, I’ll be posting each day as a separate blog entry from my usual stuff.
I usually try very hard to be kind and polite to others, but having something specific to try every day will be a good challenge for me. I’ll let you know how things go for me – please do the same in the comments section if you give it a try!
Here is the intro to the challenge:
As we conclude our “How to Play Well with Others” message series, we want to challenge you to take five minutes each day for the next 30 days to live and reveal the Kingdom of God. Your goal each day is to apply that day’s “one-another” verse specifically to one person with whom you live, work, attend school, etc.
Often, it is helpful to reflect on the passage for a moment to better understand the context of “one another.” For example, in John 13:14 (Day 1), Jesus tells his disciples to “wash one another’s feet.” The heart of what Jesus is saying is that we should be willing to perform the lowliest of tasks – the ones that others don’t want to. What would happen in your relationships if you decided to live this verse out and “wash” the feet of others by volunteering to tidy up your lunch table, clean toilets, do the dishes, give the dog a bath, or change the baby’s diaper? We believe there is a strong possibility that, if you started to live a “foot-washing” lifestyle on a consistent basis, you would soon have a major spiritual impact on those around you!
Challenge yourself to live out these “one-another” passages within your circles of influence, and see what God might do in your life – and in the lives of those you identify.
Adapted from Bill Allison of Cadre Ministries
And the Daily Instructions:
1. For each verse, what is God’s specific command to you?
2. Think of one person with whom you will interact today.
3. Develop a specific plan how to apply this verse in your interaction today with the person you listed above.
4. Take a moment before moving on in your day to pray that God will work in and through you to bless those around you as you put your specific plan for that day’s “one-another” verse into action.
And FINALLY – the challenge verse for Day 1 (Don’t worry – there won’t be this much to read through everyday!)
Day 1 – John 13:14
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another’s feet. (In context: John 13:13-15)
Praying that this challenge changes your life and the lives of those around you …
~mwe
[…] Today I thought I’d take a peek over there and I was pleasantly surprised to find the 30-Day Challenge to Play Well With Others. Offered up by her church’s pastor as a follow-up to a sermon series, it’s a really […]
This dovetails so nicely with my own Forgiveness Project! I’m finding that the scriptures you are posting often echo the ‘forgiveness’ aspect of getting along, living in unity. Thanks for deciding to share this!
I’m in.
My Dad pondered this verse – I remember him sharing his thoughts about it with me when I was a child. Here’s the paraphrase:
“You know Sis, in times with no cars, trains, buses…and in the days when most folks walked to get where they were going, taking care of your feet was pretty important business.
If you’re walking broad areas of terrain, on a mission, and you forget to take care of your feet, then you can be in a bad spot pretty quick.
Perhaps Jesus washing the feet of his disciples was more than just a parable to teach service to others. Perhaps he was also pointing out the importance of paying attention to seemingly little things that, if let go, can really put a damper on future plans”
Perhaps this is all just another example of service to others and anticipating their needs, and still “Planning Not to Plan”……
Don’t mind me – – I just find it fascinating when the same topics appear to pop up frequently in a short period of time…..
LOL
Challenge accepted. I may have to stretch my boundaries beyond Heidi, Henry and the gate, via email servant-hood.
Well, bless your heart. What a great challenge to accept. In my work as an educational administrator, I call myself a Servant Leader–which means in real general terms that I try to lead by example and service comes before personal gain, etc. So stopping to help with the easiest tasks is typical, asnwering phones when secretary is out, picking up trash as I walk across the campus, etc. I also love the idea–and try to practice but it does not happen real consistently–the idea of Random Acts of Kindness. But your challenge kicks it up a notch–specific people, specific actions, with intention. I am impressed and wish you luck. I will peek in to see your progress–and will share if I have anything to report. I do not think I will “plan” to accept this challenge, but will see what happens if I keep it in mind.
Great! I agree that it does make a difference when it’s intentional. Not that it doesn’t count when it comes naturally – because that’s even better – but there is something about, well, planning for it 🙂