I have given you an example to follow

The Armstrong Churches of God are quick to point out that Christians should be following Christ's example in observing the Sabbath and Holy Days. Of course, they completely ignore the fact that perfectly fulfilling the requirements of Torah was ESSENTIAL to Christ's mission to save humankind from eternal alienation from God. Unfortunately, they believe that the observance of those things makes them righteous in God's sight, and that blinds them to the fact that Jesus Christ is the only righteousness acceptable to Almighty God. Indeed, their approach to the only account we have (in all four Gospels) of Christ specifically instructing his disciples to follow his example embodies their entire approach to law and underscores their utter failure when confronted with metaphor in Scripture.

In the Gospel of John, we have an account of the Lord washing his disciples' feet (John 13:1-5). The Gospel informs us that Peter was flabbergasted at the suggestion that the Messiah would wash his feet (verses 6-8). Of course, after Christ corrected him, we are told that Peter immediately warmed to the idea (verse 9). Continuing with the account, we read: "After washing their feet, he put on his robe again and sat down and asked, 'Do you understand what I was doing? You call me ‘Teacher’ and ‘Lord,’ and you are right, because that’s what I am. And since I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you ought to wash each other’s feet. I have given you an example to follow. Do as I have done to you. I tell you the truth, slaves are not greater than their master. Nor is the messenger more important than the one who sends the message. Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.'" (John 13:12-17, NLT)

Although Christ was clearly reinforcing his message about servant leadership in this passage, the ACOG's have interpreted it as enjoining them to have a foot washing service once a year when they observe the Eucharist. Now, let me be clear, I enjoy the symbolism inherent in the foot washing service, and I have NO problem with anyone making this an integral part of their celebration of the Eucharist. Even so, if that's where it stops, please excuse me for pointing out that you have missed the ENTIRE point of the exercise! Moreover, judging by the history of how most of the ACOGs have governed themselves in the past, it is clear that they didn't get the message - that they are NOT following Christ's example in this instance!

In the Gospel of Matthew, we read that Christ called his disciples together and said: "You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, and whoever wants to be first among you must become your slave. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:25-28, NLT) Indeed, Christ felt that this principle was so important that it appears again a little later in the same Gospel account (Matthew 23:11). So, I think that we are left with a legitimate question: Are the ACOGs really following Christ's example in this instance?