Choose to be the answer
It’s easy to say the right thing. Following those words with action is often where I get tripped up. I can get so busy with my agenda that I lose sight of the needs of those around me. I forget what a privilege it is to be involved in helping others.
When friends share their difficulties, I’m quick to offer to pray for their needs. Praying is something I can do from the comfort of my home and doesn’t require a big investment of my time. Prayer is super important. But lately I’ve been challenged to put feet to those prayers.
From Saying to Doing
Remember the example the apostle James illustrates? “If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit?” (James 2:15-16)
Ouch! Those words hit a little too close to home. So what am I supposed to do when I see someone, especially a friend, with a need I can help meet?
Pitch in and help out! Again, it’s pretty easy to give someone a few dollars to help with a bill or to get some groceries; but am I willing to invest time in order to meet a need?
Let’s consider a familiar scenario: This weekend your friends are moving from an apartment to a house and they need some help. You have the opportunity to spend a productive weekend getting caught up on the million-and-one things that need attention around your house, or you can help your friends move. What would you choose to do?
Be a Servant
I’m not suggesting we allow things to fall into disrepair around our homes, but I know it’s important to exercise a servant-attitude when the opportunity presents itself.
The times I’ve chosen to help others and invest in their lives have been extremely rewarding. Not only does our relationship grow, but God has often used those same individuals to be a huge blessing in my life.
There’s no doubt about it: God created us to have relationships; with Himself and with others. A key ingredient in every relationship is love. He reminds us: “By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another,” (John 13:35). And so often love is spelled T-I-M-E!
Are you willing to invest your time to meet the needs of others? What step will you take today to reach out to someone in need?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me of the importance of putting feet to my prayers. Forgive me when I ignore the needs of others. Give me wisdom to invest my time wisely, and to point others to You as I meet their needs in practical ways. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
