Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality. Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep.
Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.
(From Romans 12)
We Christians are called to live differently. It is unacceptable to live for ourselves and our own interests with little or no regard for others. Rather, we are to be caring and compassionate people who are always ready to help the lonely, the needy, the hungry, the homeless, those who mourn. We are called to serve God by serving others.
There is an old song we used to sing at Church when I was a child. Its message was very strong and compelling to me. Perhaps you have heard it: "Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do, Do not wait to shed your light afar, To the many duties ever near you now be true, Brighten the corner where you are."
It really is a good thing to see a need and be able to lend a helping hand or an encouraging word. But the thing that thrills my heart the most is to see God do His work while I have the privilege of just being more or less an eye witness. It is the times when I plan nothing, but God does His work while I look on. Let me tell you about one.
It was a nice, sunny day and there were a few free minutes before it was time to cook supper, so I decided to take a walk. Our children were playing in the yard as I set out. They were to play nicely and Mom would be right back. Along the way I passed a home where new neighbors had very recently arrived. It would be good to stop and welcome them, my mind said. But I told myself, "not today. There is too much to do. Tomorrow I will bake a loaf of bread and stop at their door for a minute to welcome them here." But the nagging thought came back: stop now!
I couldn't shake the idea that the visit should be now and not tomorrow, so I back-tracked and walked up to the door. I knocked. A woman opened the door, smiled broadly, and said, "YOU are a Christian, aren't you?" Then she went on to tell me that just as I knocked she was on her knees praying that God would send her a Christian friend. That short visit made her day and it taught me an unforgettable lesson. It taught me to simply be available, to follow the Lord's prompting, and to leave the outcome to Him.
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