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What a staggering burden the world puts on all of us. When we think about good deeds or serving others who are unable to do for themselves. How do we handle these things when they come our way?
As followers of Jesus we apply God's concepts of giving. In God's world, we give from the heart. All people are an extension of his hands and feet. How many people have helped you accomplish a monumental task over your life span? We are a community who happens to share the same creator. He created us for relationship. Part of that includes helping one another, not owing one another. But it also means we serve one another, not be a taker because we can.
Ever notice in this world we all feel as though we owe for every good deed? Even when we know it was from the kindness of one's heart. That is pride. Pride stops us from receiving a blessing. Put that flesh into submission. Do you see how your own flesh can lead you in situations like this?
The world has everyone trained to use eachother or to pay someone for their good deed. Owe no one anything, that is the motto. That is how the world works. With that, there is no connection, no companionship, no over the fence conversations, none of this.
What the world and a lot of christians do not seem to understand is this is how God gives blessings. We all know the drill. We have a need. God has already put that desperately needed help in our faces, yet we do not ask. Folks, that is pride stopping you from asking. We do not use people, we develop relationship. Maybe that helper would be happy with some home made cookies or some good, gray haired advice or even a mentor? Maybe that helper sees the need but is afraid of rejection. Maybe that helper does a great job of putting on a happy face, but, they are dying inside, the need to serve more than you need to be served.... How would we know these things unless we put ourselves out there? These moments we let pass by not only steal your blessing, their blessing and God's blessings.
We should live a life of giving to those who especially could never pay us back. That is the best kind of giving. Give from a heart with no expectation. Lead by example, so God's work can be seen in you. Even if they are using you, we are commanded to one pray for those who despitefully use you. Share the gospel with them. Show them some Jesus.
Gods kingdom does not work this way. He never meant for us to live this way. When I think about all Jesus did for me, it is almost unbearable. He came as a baby and lived in this muck for 33 years for me. For you!!! He was abused, made fun of, hiding his gifts well into adulthood. (the wedding, water into wine) his parents were on the run more than once because someone always wanted him dead. Can you imagine for a moment what it must have been like as his mom or dad? He was probably hunted down many times more than documented...Put up with faithless, sinful humanity...including the apostles....He was beaten beyond recognition for you and I. He went through incredible temptation. He was mocked and ridiculed. The many works he did on earth. He served while he was here. John 21:25 And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written. Amen.
How exhausting. He did this in the same flesh bodies we were all given.
How can we wrap our brains around all of that? How would we feel if we were living in that generation? It is crazy to think about all he did for us. Have you ever applied your worldly I will pay you back motto to that? How could we ever repay you Jesus? Salvation is a gift. Jesus did all that of his own free will. How many of you would have baled out on his sentence, given the choice? Ever think of that? Get real with God, just for a few minutes and contemplate the love he has for you personally. Take a moment. Say whatever comes to mind to him.
We could never repay Jesus. He doesn't expect it, salvation is his gift to humanity. He wants your willingness to give your heart, your willingness to repent and finally choose life over death (all your sins and baggage) in exchange for Jesus, the Father and Holy Spirit, heaven and everything you love.
The second best way we can all "repay" Jesus for the most selfless act ever done.....we honor him with our lives. We live in obedience to him. When we do that, we win souls for his Kingdom. We do not have to sike ourselves up to witness for him. Our lives do that for us. It should come organically as your love for Jesus grows.
Think about what he went through hoping you would some day love him back.
May God bless you.
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