By the Grace of God...

More and more, day by day I’ve been trying to live up to the standard to which Jesus calls each one of us.  From Matthew 25:40, we read the high calling to which Jesus expects.  “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.”
 
So a man calls for a little food.  So I give him some food.  Then again he calls.  Once again my heart says, “Yes.”  My head says, “No.”  My heart wins, but this time I carry the groceries into his rental house.  I’m appalled!  The landlord should be ashamed to ask for any money at all, let alone $750.00 per month from people that can’t afford to pay $7.50 per month.
 
No work, addicted to cigarettes, a disabled child, makes wrong decisions; truly one of the “least of these”---and I help him.   
 
I witness to his wife and him.  After all, I paid the grocery bill to get in front of them.  They politely listen and say, “We’ll come to church.”  They never come and I’m disappointed they aren’t hearing the word of God from me or from anyone.  A few weeks go by and it’s the same guy asking for more food.  This time my head wins and I say, “No, not today.” (I was actually out of town….but it hurt me to say, “No.”)
 
I wonder if this is how Jesus felt when he healed ten and only one came back to thank him.  In a very small way, I understand how hopeless Jesus must have felt as He ministered to His people.  He tried to save the world and yet the world killed Him.
 
So what am I to do?  What are you called to do?
 
Oh, before you answer, think on this.  “But by the grace of God, there go I.”
 
Between a rock and a hard place…..but continuing to try my best for the Master.

Pastor Allan