Members of the upper level Brahman class in India never stoop to do any menial labor. So how shocked Shriman Naraarayan was when, spending time at Gandhi's ashram (a spiritual retreat center for Hindus), he was assigned a task that he felt was beneath his dignity.

Having earned a doctorate from the London School of Economics, that young man had come to the ashram to seek guidance about his future. Unknown to him, everybody at the ashram was given some specific assignment, and Shriman's was to clean toilets. Deeply offended, he went to Gandhi immediately and complained, "I hold a doctorate. I'm capable of doing great things. Why do you waste my time and talents on cleaning toilets?" Gandhi responded, "I know of your capacity to do great things, but I have yet to discover your capacity to do little things."

You may be highly qualified to serve our Lord Jesus in a significant way. Because of your training and gifts, you may have the potential to carry on great and effective spiritual service. But are you willing to humbly perform some menial task if He so assigns you? Would you be willing to clean another's toilet or wash another's feet? (John 13:14-15). That's what obedient discipleship is all about.    — Vernon C. Grounds