"Foxes have holes, and birds of the air have nests; but the Son of Man hath not where to lay his head." Luke 9:58One of the most interesting observations about this holiday time of year is the amount of churches lining up to promote programs that seek to do something good for “those less fortunate” in our communities. They promote it beginning in early November but come December 26th the drive to do good “for those less fortunate” is over until next year.
I’m not saying that no good comes from this, but what about the weeks after Thanksgiving and Christmas? Who will be serving “those less fortunate” after the holidays? Shouldn't we be asking our selves if what we are doing as a church and as individuals adds value to the lives of others in the long run? In other words, are the people around us helped physically and spiritually as a result of our influence on them?
“A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV)
This verse tells us that we, as Christians, are to be in the business of building up and blessing others, not just those in our church community but in the greater community. Notice that it does not say only at the holidays. The generous man is refreshed not because he reserves these outreach projects for the holidays but because he can be counted on to be there when no one but God is looking.
I firmly believe the church in America has fallen asleep. People want to feel the part about being a person of faith, but would rarely, if ever, want to show the part. Jesus' ministry offered hope, love, and salvation to people who never had access to it. Does your church have a good solid outreach program that operates with enthusiasm all year long? Do you reach out, give of yourself, or donate when no one is looking? Or do you begin and end your involvement only at the holidays?
“The poor will see and be glad— you who seek God, may your hearts live!”
(Psalm 69:32)
The outreach ministries at Resurrection Protestant Episcopal Church in St. Augustine, Florida are called “Love in Action." Feeding Bodies, Feeding Souls is their commitment to the homeless and working poor. They work with non-profit and government agencies to feed and cloth the disadvantaged on a weekly basis.
As a part of the Feeding Bodies, Feeding Souls ministry team, my wife Robin, a professional photographer, began photographing some of the people being served each week. She created a DVD titled “Feeding Bodies, Feeding Souls.” Over 100 DVD copies have been distributed to the various community partners to help keep this issue front and center and they continue to ask for more.
She also entered a national photography contest called “Faces,” submitting her work in a photo album format titled “Portraits of Hope, Hunger, and Homelessness." There were over 1000 entries; her work took second place.
http://robinmcquayanderson.shutterfly.com/
The response to the work has been phenomenal. It has opened doors and more than a few hearts. This clarifies our responsibility to provide outreach in the community and it must be a year round effort. We have the privilege and opportunity to influence lives year round! This is exciting!
Give when no one but God is looking. It makes both a temporal difference on earth and an eternal difference in Heaven!
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9)
Be A Giver,
+Ian
