Just Because You’re…

“When did we see you sick or in prison and visit you? The king will answer them, ‘I can guarantee this truth: Whatever you did for one of my brothers or sisters, no matter how unimportant they seemed you did for me.’” Matthew 25:37-40

 “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as you ever can.” (Without the right understanding this is just a great weariness.)” John Wesley

Here’s the kicker: You don’t have to feel like it. You can do the right thing and leave it with the Father “who is a rewarder of those who seek him.” First, we’re not looking for others to praise or approve of us because we’re looking for Someone greater to do this. Praise or approval may happen or it may not but the praise from the Father is priceless and unswerving. It’s a joyful thing to accept the praise and recognition from the Father. (David was a man after God’s own heart)

Just because you’re old doesn’t mean you can’t contribute to the needy, sick or lonely. (Widow and her two cents in the offering plate)

Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you don’t have something of value to offer. (Timothy 1 and 2)

Just because you’re poor doesn’t mean you don’t have something of great value to give others. (Jesus was born in a hardscrabble life and He gave to the World)

Just because you’re a sinner doesn’t mean you can’t help others. (Rahab the Harlot)

We’ve heard the saying, “Just show up.” Over 80% of life is just showing up. The rest is being open to the Father’s will, whether we feel like it or not, whether it’s convenient or whether we’re fearful. Prayer, even a quick one at the moment, will help.

Many of you have answered a late-night phone call from a very distressed person. You did this for Jesus.

Many of you have given food or money beyond what you had. You fed Jesus.

Many of you have prayed for others in secret. You prayed for and with Jesus.

Many of you sat with a lonely or sick person. You sat with Jesus.

Many of you have overcome tribulations, traumas and criticisms just like Jesus and turned your suffering into a beautiful comfort and/or lesson for others.

Great is your reward. Beyond all we could ask or think!

Musings

John Wesley was right: Without the proper understanding, giving is a duty—weariness. But doing it for Jesus? Such an honor, even and maybe especially when feelings are absent, fearful, tired or annoyed. Good feelings come but they can’t determine our call to feed, clothe, encourage, comfort and visit. This leads to more blessings from the Father.  To hear him say, “Well done my faithful servant…” What an honor!

Prayer

Dear Father,

We forget it’s an honor and not weariness or drudgery to serve others. Serving others is serving You. Even a little child drawing a picture for a shut-in or a shy person caring for abandoned animals is serving You. To the world, it may seem so insignificant, but Your Son says differently. Help us to remember even the seemingly small things we do today and every day are part of Your will and kingdom.

Thank you for serving us then, now and forever.

Amen.