Living With Purpose
In a rural town where most people know everyone’s business (at least most of it), there’s a real sense that it’s your duty to help people. I don’t have the research to prove it, but based on my experiences, small town America possess this character trait more than big city dwellers. That’s not a criticism for the city, just an observation of mine. In the aftermath of a violent tornado, my wife and I assembled a relief effort that expanded to many churches, businesses, and individuals from our small hometown in the country. The outpouring of love came in the form of donated items, physical labor for repair work, and cooked meals for families that were under hardship. The people who gave of themselves made the miraculous decision to touch lives with their own life. There’s no greater thing a person can do for another human being than to help them based on the power and motivation of God’s love.
The lesson to help a fellow neighbor was taught to me at a young age by Sunday School teachers and mission-education leaders. But at some point, a person has to either adopt this attitude as their own or let it go and do their own thing. If the teaching is strong enough, if the Spirit moves you, and if you’re looking for opportunities to help others in need, circumstances will develop for you to act.
Everyone needs help at some point in life. Helping others is not just about religion, being nice, or even doing the right thing. It’s about relationships and feeling good about knowing you didn’t squander the opportunity to connect with another life and make a difference. One person’s affliction can be a blessing for another.
A woman and her child who lived a mile from my home called to me as I was checking my mail box. I was in a hurry because I had to leave for a meeting in a nearby town. She asked if I had some “jumper cables” because their family truck wouldn’t crank. She had another vehicle but needed the truck to haul some garbage away. I could’ve said, “No”, for I was running late and needed to leave. But knowing full well I had some in the trunk of my car and there was someone standing in front of me that needed them, I told her I did have a set. I ran to the car, pulled them out, and gave them to her. For a brief moment I thought, “What if she doesn’t bring them back?” God’s Spirit reminded me of Luke 6:30, “Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back.” I never thought about it again and hurried on my way. Two days later, as I was sweeping the porch I discovered the cables had been returned and set neatly on an outdoor chair near my front door.
Sharing what you have, whether it is your time, possessions, or money; these are the sacrifices that please God and put you in a position to be blessed by God Himself. This was one of the reasons the early church grew so rapidly. Acts 2:44-45 says, “All the believers met together in one place and shared everything they had with those in need.” What we have been blessed with, we should bless others with also. Sharing what you have are the types of personal sacrifices that are pleasing to God. This principle is clearly stated it the book of Hebrews 13:16, “Don’t forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God”.
Many well-meaning Christians come to church to experience a feeling and to gain some break in the monotony of life. Worship and praise can produce these things. But life is not all about you. The last thing Jesus Christ commanded before he ascended to Heaven was to go out and do for others. Particularly to share the gospel and God’s love.
A Christian must seek out every opportunity to influence and witness to others. This is to be the number one job of every believer—to share the “Good News”! How can you do this if going to church, hearing a message, and singing is all you do? What good does it do you to go to church and claim to get Spirit-filled if you never use your talents, time, and treasure to help others in need. 1 John 3:17 says, “But if anyone has enough of the world’s goods and sees a person in need, but shows no compassion; how can God’s love be in that person?”
Many talk the talk, but few it seems walk the walk. The love of God should compel us to help one another. We are stewards of everything God has given us. Compared to God’s; our view is small and short-sighted. This is but one reason we should take orders from God so that we can see the bigger picture as He reveals the needs of others to us. One needs to remember the words of Proverbs 19:17, “If you help the poor, you’re lending to the Lord—and He will repay you!” God’s love is too priceless to keep to yourself. We should share it in every way we can.
• This bi-weekly column is written by Matthew Dobson. He’s a teacher, U.S. Army Chaplain, and the Pastor of New Bethel Baptist Church in the New York Community. His most recent book is titled: “How the Race Was Won: A Coming of Age Story About Running”. He can be reached by email: rmdobson@liberty.edu
