Matthew 25:31-36 [NIV] | 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left. 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
We live in a fast-paced world where we easily lose sight of those around us who may need assistance. Being distracted by the ways of the world and our drive to seek self first, we miss opportunities to serve others in the name of Jesus. Today’s reading reminds us of the core value for which we serve, what we do for others glorifies God and to serves Him through our acts of kindness and love.
Each of us is woven into God’s perfect plan. Since the beginning of creation, the fullness of God’s kingdom has been the goal when Jesus returns in His full glory. We are a part of the world’s most important movement—faithfully living as a disciple of Jesus—and we have the privilege of sharing it with others as we serve God. Helping and providing others with the basic needs of life is pleasing to God. We learn in our reading that acts of care and concern for others touches the heart of God and fulfills His command to love our neighbors.
God does not call us to conquer the world on our own, he calls us to community as brothers and sisters in Christ. We support and encourage one another within our church family and move out into the community. Taking time to slowdown and view our surroundings enables us to see the opportunities God provides. Our service, as an individual or congregation, should be such a part of our lives that we would struggle to answer the question, “Lord, when did we serve you?”
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank and praise you for the blessings you shower upon us each day. Open our eyes and ears to see and hear the opportunity to serve You though others in acts of generosity. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Action Plan:
Today I will take time to seek an opportunity God has provided to serve Him through helping others.
Pastor Rod Lindemann
I Can’t | Jesus Can | Jesus Can Through Me