Handout!

We can put our hand out to get or give, to gain help or extend it, etc. For there to be a giver there needs to be a receiver and visa-versa. During a lifetime we will generally find ourselves on both sides. To remain on one side or the other can be unhealthy. We need to continue to receive (encouragement, love, income, etc) in order to continue giving. However, to remain content with being on the receiving end without contributing effort toward others is selfish and ungodly.

Someone has said, “A loafer in the church is of no more account than a loafer on the street corner.” [source: “sentence sermons”] Certainly there are poor who need to be helped. Such assistance is to be characteristic of our Christian walk. (i.e. Galatians 2:10; Matthew 6:2-3) Paul also warned against idleness. ( 2 Thessalonians 3:10-12)

There are some on street corners who hold signs that read, “Will Work For Food!” Some of these individuals may be very willing to do so while others are really only desiring a “handout”. Is that any different than any who sit in the church pew to be fed on the Word of God, yet are unwilling to give themselves in service to God and others? Perhaps in focusing on our Lord we need to come to a better understanding of what He saw as food.

When the disciples rejoined Jesus after His discussion with the woman at the well, we read…

“(31) Meanwhile the disciples were urging him, saying, ‘Rabbi, eat.’ (32) But he said to them, ‘I HAVE FOOD TO EAT THAT YOU DO NOT KNOW ABOUT.’ (33) So the disciples said to one another, ‘Has anyone brought him something to eat?’ (34) Jesus said to them, ‘MY FOOD IS TO DO THE WILL OF HIM WHO SENT ME AND TO ACCOMPLISH HIS WORK.’” ( John 4:31-34 ESV)

While the disciples were in Sychar buying food ( John 4:8) Jesus had a very fulfilling and satisfying discussion with the Samaritan woman at the well. Do we find as much satisfaction in DOING THE WILL OF GOD as we do in backing away from the table with a full stomach? We gain spiritual nourishment in the process of laboring for the Lord. May we come to experience more and more the spiritual nourishment, refreshment, and satisfaction of putting our hand out in WILLING SERVICE to others in the Name of Christ. DOING GOD’S WILL needs to be acknowledged as NECESSARY FOOD for sustaining our souls.

Have a great day FILLING OUR PLATE WITH SERVICE TO GOD’S GLORY!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Service