“Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” (Book of Matthew. Chapter 25, verse 40)
What is at the top of our “goal list” today? Many days, our list is topped off with a selfish desire: We crave a new car, a better-paying job, and an improved situation; some days, a new flat screen. We can get and stay in our own heads for periods that flash and carry us to the ultimate disappointment. The new car needs maintenance, the better job is not, the situation again turns complicated, and a newer-bigger flat screen hits the market. And, the cycle begins over.
As we muddle through life, we can miss the greatest opportunity for deep inner peace. Peace, as we see it, is when everything in the world is OK”. Just OK. Not spectacular, fantastic, marvelous, or excellent.
The real moments of contentment seem to be found in the small, not the big.
Is not the real purpose of life to love our God will all of our hearts and, as well love our neighbors as ourselves? Shouldn’t our goal list then be to seek the Lord and serve his people? Where is it written that this demands large? Where does the blueprint require us to cure world hunger and alleviate droughts? Protect the nations from the elements, house all people experiencing homelessness, and free all imprisoned people?
Keith Green, in his song “The Sheep and the Goats,” reminds us of purposeful living when he penned the following:
For I was hungry, and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me nothing to drink, I was naked, out in the cold, in exposure, and you sent me away, I was a stranger, and I knocked at your door, But you didn't open, you told me to go away, I was sick, racked in pain upon my bed, And I begged, and prayed, and pleaded that you'd come, but you didn't, I was in prison, and I rotted there, I'd prayed that you'd come.
For us, purpose is found in addressing the needs of those that God places in our path: the hungry, the thirsty, the naked, and the strangers who are sick and imprisoned.
We see today that the car will rust, we will retire, relationships will fade, and there will always be a newer, shinier electronic. But human needs will always surround us.
We long to sing, as Keith did:
For I was hungry, and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty, and you gave me something to drink, I was naked, and you clothed me, I was a stranger, and you invited me in, I was sick and in prison, and you came to me.
We can't hear if we aren't listening. We can't see if we are not looking. We can't feel if we're not touching. We can't help if we're worried about our hurt.
We are all good at some things and suck at other things. We know now that when we combine our talents, little men can move big mountains: One rock at a time, one plate, one glass, one door, and one key. It is with compassion and action that we can find peace and purpose.
We re-write our “goal list” for today: to live to serve, seek to support, and act with intention; to become the hand, the feet, and the heart of consideration.
May service be our present and selfishness be our past. Amen.
Thoughts and ideas for this blog post were taken and built upon from asweunderstandhim.coffee podcast “Rooted Week 7 "How can I make the most of my life? - Part 2" with John The podcast dropped on 9/24/2023. Click here to hear the podcast.
Photo by engin akyurt on Unsplash
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