What’s your passion? What are you willing to work at morning, noon, and night for free just for the opportunity to enjoy doing it?
Jesus loved helping people. He would talk to them, listen to them, and even heal them in his efforts to serve people and make the world a better place. This was his Father’s original plan. In the beginning it was all good before the sinful nature of mankind was enticed by temptation. So, as Christians, what are we trying to become? Citizens of Zion, that heavenly kingdom ruled with justice, peace, and mercy. And Jesus told us the path is narrow that leads to life and there are few who find it, but in the same thought process, He explained, “I am the way, the truth, and the light. Come and follow me.”
It is not just a matter of helping people, which we are commanded to do, but there is an expectation that we LOVE helping people. We are to ENJOY serving others. Service to others was Jesus’ passion, his zeal, his sunshine on a cloudy day. And we are called to follow his example by serving others so that it becomes our passion, our zeal, our fun, instead of our homework assignment or a necessary heavenly entrance requirement.
I know someone who is in prison right now, and I know I should go see him whether he is guilty or not, but I have not been able to muster my resolve to go. I have rationalized. I have prayed. I have driven by the jail a few times without stopping. Matthew 25:36 makes it clear I need to do this among other things, like; feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, welcome strangers, clothe the naked, and visit the sick. As your minister, I have greatly improved in feeding the hungry, pouring water, welcoming strangers, and visiting the sick, but that prison thing is currently a stumbling block for me, and the verse is not multiple choice. Help me, paraclete, serve all people unreservedly, passionately, lovingly, unconditionally. Help me love like Jesus.
Grace & Peace, Charles.