For the next few weeks, we’ll be looking at scriptures related to the Building Blocks, which are spiritual practices we can adapt and use to “practice the presence of Christ.” Read more info about the blocks, or download a 2011 Soul Care Plan. Today’s Block is “S”, for service.
Today’s scripture: Matthew 25:31-46 (NRSV) (The Message) (KJV) What might God be saying to me?
My thoughts (Cheryl Stonestreet):
What to do?
A dirty man stands next to the exit ramp holding a sign. I don’t really want him to approach my window. A drunk sits leaning against my newspaper box shaking a coin cup. I don’t really want to get that close to him. Prisoners need someone to mentor them with reading. I don’t really want to hear those steel doors close behind me. A young mother, obviously jacked up on something, needs money to pay her electric bill. I really don’t want to get involved.
Life is messy. People are messy. How do we know if we are helping or just keeping people in their misery by supporting them in it? I don’t know the answer when these situations arise. Today’s verses tell me I should meet the needs of people who are considered the least among us. Perhaps that is actually the issue. Who is “the least among us”? Who am I to determine another’s status?
Grace. I must remember grace. I’ve been given much simply out of grace, and it is through grace that I must pass along service to others.
I can not see the big picture. I don’t know, and maybe I’m not supposed to know. It’s simply my job to act, and then let the Son of Heaven do the sorting. Maybe service to others is really just a no-brainer.
Thought for the day: Let me serve without thinking, but with the thought of the grace that has been shown to me.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.