Are your feet beautiful? They say beauty is in the eyes of the beholder, but does that go for feet as well? There are some feet that you know are cute–like baby feet. And there are some feet that should stay covered up at all costs. I’ve heard the stories. But between those extremes, who decides what makes feet beautiful? And how do you know if you’re one of those people who could make it big in the modeling world–as long as the camera stayed fixed on your feet? That’s the kind of job I’d like.
Before I quit my day job to pursue a career in feet modeling, I need to know the criteria for beautiful feet. I’ll admit that I haven’t spent a lot of time looking at people’s feet so I don’t really know how the bar is set. And I need to make sure my feet are ready.
These days, we spoil our feet. We have lotions and pedicures and massages just for them. There are individualized shoes for walking, running, hiking, tennis, basketball and every other sport imaginable. We have gel insoles to comfort. Moleskins to protect. And exfoliating scrubs to keep them soft and touchable. Our feet don’t know how good they have it.
But a couple thousand years ago feet took a beating.
Most people had one mode of transportation: their feet. No cars. No scooters. No bikes. And unless they were wealthy, not even a horse or stubborn mule. They walked. Everywhere.
Town to town. Mile after long, hot, dusty mile. People went on foot. And since there were no telephones, internet or newspapers, messengers had to run on foot to spread news of current events. Messengers even ran from the battlefields to the waiting king to let him know what was happening. Then they’d get the new battle plan or messages from the king and run back to the front lines. Of course, a lot could change in the time it took to swap messages.
The feet of the people back in those days were calloused, dirty and covered in sores. Hardly what I would consider beautiful. But thankfully for them, their feet weren’t judged on the way they looked.
Feet were judged on the message they carried.
Beautiful feet brought good news. They carried a message of peace, blessing and hope. They ran to proclaim salvation to those who heard and responded.
So the question for us today is: Do we have beautiful feet? Do we bring good news to those we encounter? Do we carry a message of peace? Do we tell others of the blessing and hope that awaits? Do we run and proclaim that salvation is here?
Do we have beautiful feet?
Do we joyfully spread the excitement of Jesus Christ, the risen King? Maybe we’re feeling a bit calloused. Maybe we’re afraid to speak out because we’re unsure of what to say. Maybe we believe we did our time running with the message and now it’s someone else’s turn to hit the pavement.
But how will others call on Jesus if they never believed in Him? And how can they believe in Him if they never heard the message? And how can they hear the message if no one shares it with them? Where are the beautiful feet?
You have beautiful feet. Show the world.
The way we carry the message by living out our faith each day is far more important than choosing the “right” words to say. It’s time to step out in courage.
By the way, I love your feet.
“As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” Romans 10:15
May I pray?
Heavenly Father, I praise You for the beautiful feet of everyone reading this today. Bless them as they carry Your message of life and hope, forgiveness and freedom. Lord, help us to step out boldly and run with perseverance as we spread the good news of Jesus Christ. And Lord, if anyone feels that their feet are too dirty or too calloused to be beautiful, remind them of how Jesus washed the feet of His friends. The friends He knew would abandon and deny Him a few hours later. Thank you that Jesus will do the same for us if we let Him. Amen.
Q4U: What makes feet beautiful?