John 13:8

"Unless I wash you, you have no part with me."

The context of the portion of the verse above is Jesus's response to Peter when Peter had initially attempted to dissuade Jesus from washing his feet. I think there's a bigger meaning to this little response, though.

To me this points to the total surrender that is required to be a Christian, a follower of Jesus. We can acknowledge his Lordship mentally, but what are we actually doing about it? Is our life reflecting the fact that we are not our own, that we were bought with a price (I Cor. 6:19 - 20)? What evidence in our life shows that we have denied ourselves, taken up our cross, and are following him (Mark 8:34, 35)?

The other thing this makes me think of is the transformational process that takes place when we truly make Him our Lord. Romans 12:2 says to not be conformed to this world, but be transformed through the renewing of our mind. Titus 3:5 says the Holy Spirit washes us and renews us. How is this transformation evident in our lives? Is our daily prayer for him to change us, to create in us a new heart (Psalm 51:10)?

Keep in mind the intent of this is to check myself. If these reflections can help convict someone else and change a life, then awesome.