by Marilyn Ehle
“Those who are kind to the poor lend to the Lord.” Proverbs 19:17
He was a staunch defender of the faith. He gave generously of his resources to the church. He believed the Bible, faithfully attended worship services and knew the words to all the old hymns. Before every meal, after thanking God for His gracious provision, he prayed these words, “And bless those who do not share in this abundance.”
He called himself a follower of Christ and I believe he was one. Then why did that last sentence of his dining room prayers make me feel so uncomfortable? Could it be that I had also heard so many of his living room conversations? Discussions where he berated the poor for “not pulling themselves up by their own bootstraps?” Times when he described races other than his own as lazy and of less intelligence? Even his strongly stated opinions “that giving money or goods to the homeless was a waste?”
Author Donald Miller writes, “What I believe is not what I say I believe; what I believe is what I do.” The New Testament writer James put it another way, Do not merely listen to the word and so deceive yourselves. What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if people claim to have faith but have no deeds? … Suppose a brother or sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, “God’s peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?
Lord, it is so much easier to merely talk about serving you than to get my hands dirty in that service. Mother Teresa believed that you love everyone so she spent her life living that love. May my dining room prayers and living room conversations say the same thing.
1. In what ways do I avoid “getting my hands dirty” in service? Why?
2. Ask God to show you at least one person outside your normal circle this week to which you could practically show the love of Christ.
You can comment on this devotional online at:
http://thoughtsaboutgod.com/blog/2010/09/10/me_this-I-believe/
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