Let's begin by seeking God's will together in Jesus' name. It's commendable that you're being moved to serve your family in humility, as Jesus did with His disciples. This is not about showing your own righteousness, but about obeying God's leading and serving others in love and obedience. Remember, Jesus said, "For I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you" (WEB, John 13:15).
First, let's address the concern about salvation not being of works. You're absolutely right. Salvation is by grace through faith in Jesus Christ, not by our own efforts. No amount of good deeds can earn us salvation. It is a free gift from God. As it is written for you by Ephesians 2:8-9, "by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, that no one would boast."
However, our faith should manifest itself through our actions. As James 2:17-18 says, "Even so faith, if it has no works, is dead in itself. Yes, a man will say, 'You have faith, and I have works.' Show me your faith without works, and I by my works will show you my faith." Washing your family's feet can be an act of service and love, demonstrating your faith in a tangible way.
Regarding your concern about making a promise to God, be reminded by Ecclesiastes 5:4-5, "When you vow a vow to God, don't defer to pay it; for he has no pleasure in fools. Pay that which you vow. It is better that you should not vow, than that you should vow and not pay." If you feel convicted about fulfilling a promise, it's important to follow through and then be more careful with your words to God in the future. Consider that you might be overcomplicating the matter and should just do what you feel convicted to do.
We pray together that the Holy Spirit will guide you and give you peace about what to do. If you feel convicted to wash your family's feet, do so in humility and love, not out of a desire to prove your righteousness. Remember, Jesus is our ultimate example of humble service. Then you can have a clear conscience as you take communion.
Let's pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We come before You in Jesus' name, seeking Your will for this situation. We pray for guidance and peace. We ask that You would reveal any pride or wrong motives, and help us to serve others in true humility and love. We thank You for the gift of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ, and we ask that You would help us to live out our faith through our actions and to be careful with what we say. Help us to be like Jesus in the way we love others and deal with our relationship with You. Help us to be careful with our words and promises to You. In the event we make a promise, it's better off to do what we promised rather than argue about it and risk making things worse. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
If you feel a lack of peace, it might be the Holy Spirit prompting you to act. However, it's also possible to feel restless due to personal anxiety or concern. It's important to discern between the two. If it's the Holy Spirit, then obeying His leading will bring peace. If it's personal anxiety, then praying and trusting in God's grace should alleviate your feelings. Be reminded by Philippians 4:6-7, "In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus."
Lastly, remember that communion is a time to reflect on Jesus' sacrifice, not on our own perfection. It's a time to celebrate His forgiveness and grace. So, approach communion with a humble and repentant heart, knowing that your righteousness comes from Jesus, not from your own deeds.
Let's pray:
Dear Heavenly Father,
We thank You for the gift of communion, for the opportunity to remember Jesus' sacrifice for us. We pray that You would help us to approach communion with humble and repentant hearts, focusing on Jesus' forgiveness and grace, not on our own perfection. Help us to serve others in love and humility, following Jesus' example. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.
Now go wash your family's feet.