I have been challenged by myself a lot in life. I tend to hold myself to a really high standard, spiritually speaking. However I see myself fail, and gloriously fail. For some reason I cannot live up to my own standards. I was beginning to start feeling guilty and let down by it.
I stopped, pondered, and realized. I do this because I can never repay Jesus for what He has done for me. I can't feed every homeless person, I can't help every teen through a breakup or a family/social disaster, I can't tell every single person about Jesus (I felt guilty writing that last one). I have limitations. I realize this though. The limitations are there for a reason. It is because God does want me to have a life outside of ministry. I do have to build quality relationships with my friends and family, I do need to spend quality time by myself, I do need to spend quality time with God Himself. If I am constantly a minister for God, I cannot spend time enjoying God sometime. I literally busy and burden myself with doing good. Sometimes it is okay to stop and just pray and reflect, smell the roses, or take a vacation.
It doesn't stop me from seeing the people around me. I realized that when I take time for myself, my family and friends, and for God, I saw people around me as people of God. I was able to have fresh eyes, and see where my talents and skills were really meant to be used. It's actually pretty awesome! You should definitely try it!
Day 28
Scripture
Matthew 25:31-40
- Before Reading the scripture today; Pray and ask the spirit to guide you in the reading:
- 31 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 All the nations will be gathered before him, and he will separate the people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 He will put the sheep on his right and the goats on his left.
- 34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’
- 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’
- 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Wisdom
- If there ever was a reason to help others, this is it. It clearly states that Jesus, in His return, will separate the sheep (His followers) from the goats (non-believers) according to their willingness to serve His people. I have always believed that believing in salvation can’t just be ignored. It is hard to think about what Jesus has done for us and not want to return the favor. And what better way to do that then to help and serve everyone; the very people Jesus came to save.
- Being a Christian means to follow Jesus. Doing that means to do what He did. As you go and serve the people who have been overlooked and ignored, be mindful of the presence of Jesus.
Apply
- Who are the overlooked and ignored in your life?
- In what ways is God asking you to give someone food, drink, a place to sleep, shelter, perhaps a visit to someone sick or hurting?
- Are you willing to serve?
Prayer
- Stop and meditate on this scripture. Ask Jesus to make clear to you the people you need to serve or help. Ask Jesus to help you understand where you fit into His kingdom and how He sees you working for him. Pray on this for some time.
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