The Things We Take for Granted

Matthew 25:37-40 Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ (NRSV)

Many people these days have an “investment portfolio” to save for a secure and comfortable retirement. Fair enough. But how many have a “giving portfolio” to help those who will never have enough, hmm?

I have a good friend by the name of Joseph who lives in Accra, Ghana. These days he’s the Africa director of our ministry, Christianityworks.

Anyhow, Joseph was saying to me that of the billion or so people who live across the great continent of Africa, more have access to radio than to clean drinking water.

That stopped me in my tracks. It just made me realise the things I take for granted. And how often do we think about those people who struggle for even the basics? How often do we step out to make a difference in their lives? Jesus was telling a story, a parable, about this very thing. He said,

Matthew 25:37-40Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry and gave you food, or thirsty and gave you something to drink? And when was it that we saw you a stranger and welcomed you, or naked and gave you clothing? And when was it that we saw you sick or in prison and visited you?’ And the king will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did it to one of the least of these who are members of my family, you did it to me.’ (NRSV)

So for Jesus, giving a drink to someone without clean drinking water, was the same as blessing Him.

There are so many people on this planet who are hurting. We can’t save them all, you and I. But we can save some. Make sure that your “giving portfolio” includes the poor. Give until it hurts.

That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.

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The Things We Take for Granted

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