AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?
AM I MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?
INDEX:
-WHY SHOULD I CARE?
-IMPLEMENTING THE SERVICE FOR THE KINGODM OF GOD INTO OUR DAILY LIVES
-THE SPIRIT LED LIFE
-STABALIZING OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
-HOW ELSE CAN I BE MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?-THIS IS OUR TIME, THIS IS OUR OPPORTUNITY
-DO WE REALLY CARE?
-HOW CAN WE STAND BY?
-WHAT IS AT STAKE?
-WHAT IS SO URGENT?
-HOW CAN I HELP? THINGS WE CAN DO WITHOUT EXCUSE
PRAY
GIVING -GOODS AND FINANCES
GIVING OF OUR TIME
-CONCLUSION
(In presenting topics like this, I am concerned that to some readers it can become an oppressive yoke of duty, or worst - condemnation to an already burdened soul if not received in the light of the wonderful and liberating grace of God. It is from a place of Jesus' freedom and joy that we can launch out to the adventure of His amazing service to others. This is meant as a definite challenge to those who may be feeling dry and discontented with the lack of life in the church. Here is something you can do to stir up your faith. To whomever reads this, may it inspire you into a burning love and urgency in Christ if you are not already there.)
"If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if you say, 'Behold, we did not know.' Does not He that ponders the heart consider it? and He that keeps your soul, does He not know? And shall He not render to every man according to his works?" Proverbs 24:11-12
"Hereby we perceive the love of God, because He laid down His life for us, we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But who ever has this world's goods, and see his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:16-18
This statement, "Am I my brother's Keeper?" was the answer Cain gave God when He asked him where his brother Abel was, whom Cain had just murdered. Genesis 4:9 These words have echoed down through the ages around the entire globe when every person is questioned or challenged regarding their responsibility toward their fellow man. Likely, most of us have repeated it in one form or another during our brief lifetime. True, there is much to be considered in light of such a question. We cannot possibly be responsible for the actions let alone the fate of every person. Nor should we step in every time the choices and decisions of others bring disastrous results into their lives, even if we are able. Taking this a step further, should we even care when a person is reaping what they have deservedly sown? With such an attitude we most certainly had better watch our heart before Jesus. Can you imagine if He took that attitude toward us?
What about the undeserved misfortunes? What about injustices? Little doubt there are countless such situations that catch our notice and concern, and they should.
As disciples of Jesus, our stand and commission on this is very clear - "Love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34 How did Jesus love us? He loved us in preference to Himself. That is a tall order. Not only did He give up the glory of Heaven to come and rescue us by suffering and dying for us, but He did it even though we did not know, care, let alone deserve it!!!
WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
1- BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE OBEDIENT TO JESUS - "As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you." John 21:21 "A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34 At the end of all debates, this is what He told us to do. Love is taking a genuine interest and concern for the welfare of others. That is what Jesus demonstrated to us. It is very simple, but requires heart and a willingness to sacrifice. Oh, but when we step out in the obedience of faith to do what He is prompting us to do, He is right there with us, empowering us to see it through. Praise the Lord! What an honor!!! When we hear of, or see some of these amazing feats of love and sacrifice done by believers, they will all, no doubt, tell you in the end that it was the Lord prompting them and working through them. Hudson Taylor said it like this, "Count on it. God's work done God's way, will not lack God's supply." (most assuredly this works for any of God's provisions) Helping others out of obedience to Jesus should be reason enough.
2- "FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE." Matthew 10:8
Beginning with what it cost Jesus and God our Heavenly Father to purchase our salvation, what did it take for others to assist us in our walk? Should we not rightly take active interest in the welfare of others as the Lord gives us opportunity? Now we must be careful here. It is not a payment for our debt. GOD FORBID. That debt has been paid in full by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and NOTHING AT ALL can be added to it. Nor is it a guilt offering! But rather a reaching out with the love that brought us in, and an earnest eagerness to share His salvation and grace to help others.
3- SOMEONE CARED FOR US - is it not so? Not only did Jesus and God our Heavenly Father care for us, but others through them. Likely, some we will never know about until we make it to Heaven. We have no idea who were (and are) all those who have prayed for us, nor how many people have been instrumental in getting us this far? You did not make it here on your own, nor will you make it without the help of those whom the Lord will use in the future. That can be humbling. This way He helps keep us humble by using others, even some of whom we would typically not give the time of day. In so doing, He gets the glory, so that "no flesh should glory/boast in His presence."1 Corinthians 1:29 Now it is our turn to reach out and help others.
4- BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE - "For the love of Christ compels us." 2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV The same love that sent Him to earth, the same love that led Him to suffering and death for us, is now alive and active in us through His Holy Spirit Romans 5:5. All we need to do is heed His Word, follow the nudging of His Holy Spirit and watch for Him in the world around us. Friends, love has to be expressed and cannot be contained if it is to bear fruit for God. That means giving out, reaching out, helping out in earnest care as you are able. We do understand, however, that feelings do not always precede the action, but often follow the obedience of faith. Love is doing what is right and best for someone, regardless of how we feel or do not feel.
IMPLEMENTING THE SERVICE FOR THE KINGODM OF GOD INTO OUR DAILY LIVES
I have addressed this subject a number of times and in different ways, but the mastery of it can be difficult nonetheless. Some years ago I was visiting a friend's church while they were holding special meetings. At one point the guest speaker was recounting how he had been zealously serving the Lord in whatever he could find to do. He was involved in every church project, every activity, as well as some of his own. He wanted to do his best for the Lord, amen! Ultimately he began to burn out. He took his complaint to the Lord, and the Lord told Him to surrender his life completely to Him. He was flabbergasted. "What else can I do?" was his answer. "I am already doing all that I possibly can." Then the Lord showed him that he was to do only what He wanted him to do. There he learned that "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:30 If the devil cannot stop us, he also knows how to run us ragged.
THE SPIRIT LED LIFE
"Then Jesus answered and said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He see the Father do; for what ever things He does, these the Son does also likewise.'" John 5:19
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Romans 8:14
By following the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit we are relieved from the unbearable burden of attempting to take on the care of the whole world in our flesh. Instead, by following His leading, it allows HIM to do HIS work through us resulting in making our service almost effortlessly manageable, full of good fruit, and He alone gets all the glory.
STABALIZING OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
"Everyone should remain after God calls him in the station or condition of life in which the summons found him." 1 Corinthians 7:20 AMP
This instruction is so critical in many ways. The one that I wish to point out is that it helps keep us from making presumptuous moves and changes that the Lord is not requiring. In this passage, the Lord through Paul is instructing us not to change your responsibilities once you become a Christian unless the Lord is requiring it of you. Rather be a disciple of Jesus in the situation which He calls you. I am not referring to the ones He needs to call you out of , meaning if it is incompatible with Biblical truth, Christ-like morals and godliness. In other words, if you were a husband and father, you had better not shirk that responsibility now that you are disciple of Jesus Christ. Instead, you must learn to become a Christ-like husband and father, and lead you family into the Kingdom of Christ.
At work it is the same. You should serve your employer in a godly, Christ-like, manner so as to "adorn" the Gospel, and thus bring glory to God before not only your bosses, but also your fellow workers and those your business is serving. I was listening to a preacher who was formally a millwright. A certain piece of specialized equipment was broken down and they had to call in a specialist. After exhausting all his known options, they called this man in. Apparently it was not a piece of equipment that he was trained on. When he took a look at it, the Lord showed him how it worked what the problem was, and what they needed to do to repair it. If I can correctly recall the story, he heard the boss say to the engineer that this man was a Christian. The engineer replied that they had one working for them as well, and he also impresses them in the same way. Praise the Lord! The Lord eventually called him to preach.
What I am saying here, is that when we turn our lives to Jesus, are filled with His Spirit and the desire to serve Him, unless He specifically calls us to do something else, we, in this life, glorify Him as we serve those around us for His sake. Not only does it cause us to flow naturally as believers in our world, but He is thereby actively involved in every facet of our society through us. Imagine that, every parent, teacher, caregiver, carpenter, nurse, plumber, mechanic, police, doctor, salesperson... politician....serving Jesus in their responsibilities and trades. Should it not be so?
HOW ELSE CAN I BE MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?
Now that you realize that God may not expect you to be the next Billy Graham or Mother Theresa, you are relieved from feeling responsible to try and meet every need and save every person on the planet. Nevertheless, be assured that the Lord has not relieved us of the responsibility of being "OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER". Cain's attitude reflects the heart of all sin, which is self-centeredness. That is the complete opposite to the love of God. So how does that fit in since we are already busy and can only do so much? Business and responsibility are not acceptable excuses to neglect, overlook, pass by, the pressing needs of others that may cross our paths. Jesus left us with the beautiful illustration of the Good Samaritan in contrast to the priest and the Levite Luke 10:30-37. The Good Samaritan had other needs he needed to tend to as well. Which was why he paid the Inn Keeper to finish taking care of the man.
As already discussed in 'Revivals, What is God doing Now?' we may be asking what is God doing now? But what are we doing with the Love of God that is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost? Romans 5:5 That love actively working out in our lives reveals the work of Christ in the world today, is it not? When we are allowing the Holy Spirit in us to help someone by lending a hand to a hurting neighbour, a stranger, or even an enemy; or to spend time in prayer for the lost, or to share what we have with those without, and even check in on the sick...as in Matthew 25:34-40 , this is the Spirit of Christ working through us. True, anyone can do this, and they may not even be a believer. God can and does use anyone to meet needs and answer prayer. Remember the natives on the island of Malta, on which the ship Paul was being transported was shipped wrecked, "And the natives showed us extraordinary kindness..." Acts 28:2 NAS. Often we have little excuse.
I must be frank here. Little doubt we have all missed opportunities numerous times. When we do, we ask for His forgiveness, repent, and keep moving ahead with an open heart, an open mind, and in the spirit of humility and love. How many times did Jesus come knocking at our door, and we were too busy? Or have we entertained angels unaware? (Hebrews 13:2)
.THIS IS OUR TIME, THIS IS OUR OPPORTUNITY
- We are not here by accident, this is our time, this is our opportunity to shine as stars in the universe for His Kingdom and glory (Philippians 2:15). Indeed we have our concerns and affairs which too shall bring Him glory and be a blessing to others as we yield them to Him. But there are also the affairs and concerns of others that may be initially wholly detached from anything within our sphere of concern and responsibility that Jesus may want you to intervene on. Dear Lord help us see that I am my brother's keeper.
No, this is not an opportunity nor licence to be a meddler or nosy, and the Holy Spirit will let you know. For instance we are called to be peacemakers, Matthew 5:9, but not to meddle in strife that is not our business Proverbs 26:17 Again, the goal is to live a Spirit led life, and that is not as easy as it sounds. The trap we do not want to fall into is putting things off to a later date. "I am not ready now. I will help out when things are different." We have no guarantees of tomorrow, and often that convenient day never seems to come.
DO WE REALLY CARE?
- Many years ago when I was single, while working at the Christian school at our church, one of the mothers who had a couple of teenage boys asked me in earnest desperation more than once to help her boys. If I would only spend a very little time with them, at least with one of them, and later on to write to one that was joining the military, which I never did. I may have even given her a "Yeah, Ok." type of answer. Deep in my heart I knew that it was the right thing to do, and I felt that maybe I should, and if I had to I would. But frankly I was not all that interested in going out of my way, nor was I overly concerned. Here I am decades latter and now we are in her shoes. I desperately wanted some of the older Christian young people to take interest in my teens and help them along. Actually a couple of them have done far more and far better than I ever did. For me, I was too busy, too detached. Now I can sympathize with her wherever they are, and I am ashamed before God. My hope is that they have stayed faithful to Jesus in this evil and turbulent world, and that the Lord had raised up someone who did help shepherd them.
HOW CAN WE STAND BY?
Years ago, I read a small article in the Readers Digest about an incident that someone observed. Apparently there was a man drowning. While he was struggling, people on the shore (or bridge) stood around watching. Then this young man, a Hippie, when he saw what was going on, undressed down to his underwear, jumped in and saved the man. When he got out he said to the people watching, "I just couldn't stand around and watch a man drown." No doubt he was capable of rescuing a drowning person, and not everyone is, but was there no other initiative amongst the entire crowd? Understandably, we are fearful of the risk, of getting involved, of failure, or what it might cost. This young man stripped down to his underwear in front of everyone, taking no consideration for his own embarrassment and pride or health. He laid it all aside with his cloths to save a drowning man. Is that not what Jesus did for us? Should we not desire to follow in His footsteps? How can we, who know someone is perishing, heading to disaster, just stand by and do nothing? Proverbs 24:11-12
WHAT IS AT STAKE?
HOW IMPORTANT IS HIS CALL TO SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
- NOTHING LESS THAN PEOPLE'S WELFARE AND THEIR ETERNAL SOULS
I have said a lot regarding this topic, perhaps too much. So let me get right to the point. The world and all it wonders and beauty is filled with people who are struggling, suffering, and perishing. We ourselves, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ have found salvation, hope, peace, and comfort in the midst of all of it on our journey to heaven. Are we doing our part in reaching out to others who have not yet found Him? What about our concern for so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling in their faith to hold on for another day, are we aware? Are we concerned? Have we noticed new people who have come to church, or those who do not come any longer? Do we care? How? Was that little boy who offered his lunch of the five loaves and two small fish being ridiculously helpful? How useful was his tiny lunch for over 5000 people? What did he do? He offered it to Jesus, and Jesus filled in the gap John 6. Does God actually need anything we have to offer? No, but He does call us to work together with Him, time is precious, and the needs are urgent
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WHAT IS SO URGENT!?
1- PEOPLE NEED TO GET SAVED - Everyone needs to believe on Jesus lest they die in their sins. That is where the Gospel comes in. They need to hear it. Someone needs to preach it, and if you cannot, pray that God will send someone who can. Romans 10:13-15, Luke 10:2
2- PEOPLE NEED TO BE DELIVERED FROM THE SLAVERY OF SIN AND THE POWER OF DARKENSS - "Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:34,36
"Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son." Colossians 1:13
Again the answer is the Gospel, teaching, and the ministry of deliverance. But if none of these are in the sphere of your ability, one thing you can do is intercessory prayer. That is the type of prayer where we stand in the gap before God Almighty and intercede (make urgent requests) on behalf of the precious souls. Numbers 14:11-21
3- PEOPLE NEED HELP - This is obvious. If they have a desperate physical need, financial need, emotional need, we fill in where we are able, or find someone who can. And most assuredly we can pray if we are unable to do anything else. Matthew 25:34-40
HOW CAN I HELP? THINGS WE CAN DO WITHOUT EXCUSE
"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man has, not to what he has not. 2 Corinthians 8:12.
Again, there are times and reasons why we cannot and maybe even should not do anything, but there is always something that everyone can do... -PRAY! This is such an open, unrestricted, unstoppable, service. It is not restricted to age, gender, knowledge, ability, skill. Anyone and everyone can pray! Who knows, your prayers can save a soul from hell, cause someone to escape disaster. I knew a Christian woman who's husband fell into great sin. Although their marriage fell apart, she prayed and fasted for him until she broke through. She told me that no matter what happens to him, she knew that he would make it to heaven. Years later their daughter led her father back to Jesus before he died.
What situation is hopeless? What is impossible? "Jesus said to him, 'But if you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.'" Mark 9:23
"And Jesus answering said to them, 'Have faith in God. For truly I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he says. Therefore I say to you, 'What ever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.'" Mark 11:22-24
"Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
In Christ Jesus, as covenant related children of God, we are in a amazing position of influence for the wellbeing of the world around us. By faith in Him and according to His Word, we can make a difference that can change situations, save lives, and deliver souls. The possibilities are endless. It does not come from us, it is totally Him, but He will work with us and use us if we will work with Him and trust him. THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE! "And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us." Romans 5:5
GIVING -GOODS AND FINANCES
Again, as Christians we hear this constantly. Because the work of the Kingdom of God is not a governmentally funded service, and the workers do not have secular support, nor can they charge for their services, it must come from somewhere. They need to look to the Lord, but Jesus will look to us. That is a hard pill to swallow at times. Most of us do not have an over abundance and surplus, if any at all. No one can command us, but if the Holy Spirit is prompting us to give in some manner, we do not want to miss out on the blessing. Now look, God may not have asked us to go to a foreign land, or to be a street evangelist, but if the Lord directs us we can help someone whom He has called to go. In this way we can share in the work of the Kingdom of God. Your finances can do amazing things that you may never find out about until you get to heaven. So be encouraged, "And let us not be not weary in well doing. For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men; especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:9-10
GIVING OF OUR TIME - One of the greatest hindrances of serving in the Kingdom of God is investing the necessary time. Jesus gave us the stern illustration of a king who arranged a wedding banquet for his son, and all those that were invited made excuses why they could not come, and therefore were excluded from the privilege of being able to attend. Each seemed to have a valid excuse, but they were just excuses compared to the honor denied. Matthew 22:1-14 The call to take up our cross and follow Jesus is not a light plea. The Kingdom of God and the welfare of His people in this world is His priority, and it should be ours as well. We cannot take lightly the admonitions of duty in the Scriptures and wonder why the world is turning out the way it is, people are not getting saved (turning to Jesus), and so many believers seem to be falling back. We can be so busy and preoccupied with our own needs, interests, and concerns, we can forget or neglect those of the Lord's, and then wonder why nothing is happening, why our children are floundering, and why our life of faith seems so wanting.
LOVE GIVES whatever it takes to care for the needs of the loved ones. Did you notice how much time, energy, and money, you can spend on your passions and interests? There always seems to be lots available for that. True, we want to avoid extremes where people have invested so much time in trying to do what they think is serving God by helping other people that they lose their own children. God would never ask us such things. So we need to be ever so careful to following His leading when serving Him, and realize that our spouse and children are His too, and need our priority time and attention. We just do not limit these responsibilities to be our boundaries. When taking a task, we first sit down and calculate the cost of time, energy, and possibly finances, plot it carefully with Biblical balance and boarders, then embrace it wholeheartedly until you have completed it, Luke 14:28-29
Your time and commitment for the Kingdom of God can make huge impact on the faith and needs of others which you may never know.
CONCLUSION - AS 'MY BROTHER'S KEEPER,' EXPECT TO BE
IMPORTUNED, DISRUPTED, INCONVIENENCED
Needs, like babies, do not always come when we are ready, and often when we are the most unprepared. Being 'Our Brother's Keeper' can be much the same, but "Love is patient, love is kind...It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Expect to be importuned, disrupted, inconvenienced. Expect to be taken advantage of, but expect the feeling of thankfulness and joy inexpressible.
"And the King shall say to them on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed Me: I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink: I was a stranger and you took Me in: Naked, and you clothed Me: I was sick, and you visited Me: I was in prison, and you came to Me...Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to Me....'"
"So any person knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17 WE ARE OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER
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INDEX:
-WHY SHOULD I CARE?
-IMPLEMENTING THE SERVICE FOR THE KINGODM OF GOD INTO OUR DAILY LIVES
-THE SPIRIT LED LIFE
-STABALIZING OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
-HOW ELSE CAN I BE MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?-THIS IS OUR TIME, THIS IS OUR OPPORTUNITY
-DO WE REALLY CARE?
-HOW CAN WE STAND BY?
-WHAT IS AT STAKE?
-WHAT IS SO URGENT?
-HOW CAN I HELP? THINGS WE CAN DO WITHOUT EXCUSE
PRAY
GIVING -GOODS AND FINANCES
GIVING OF OUR TIME
-CONCLUSION
(In presenting topics like this, I am concerned that to some readers it can become an oppressive yoke of duty, or worst - condemnation to an already burdened soul if not received in the light of the wonderful and liberating grace of God. It is from a place of Jesus' freedom and joy that we can launch out to the adventure of His amazing service to others. This is meant as a definite challenge to those who may be feeling dry and discontented with the lack of life in the church. Here is something you can do to stir up your faith. To whomever reads this, may it inspire you into a burning love and urgency in Christ if you are not already there.)
"If you forbear to deliver them that are drawn unto death, and those that are ready to be slain; if you say, 'Behold, we did not know.' Does not He that ponders the heart consider it? and He that keeps your soul, does He not know? And shall He not render to every man according to his works?" Proverbs 24:11-12
"Hereby we perceive the love of God, because He laid down His life for us, we ought to lay down our lives for the brothers. But who ever has this world's goods, and see his brother have need, and shuts up his bowels of compassion from him, how dwells the love of God in him? My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth." 1 John 3:16-18
This statement, "Am I my brother's Keeper?" was the answer Cain gave God when He asked him where his brother Abel was, whom Cain had just murdered. Genesis 4:9 These words have echoed down through the ages around the entire globe when every person is questioned or challenged regarding their responsibility toward their fellow man. Likely, most of us have repeated it in one form or another during our brief lifetime. True, there is much to be considered in light of such a question. We cannot possibly be responsible for the actions let alone the fate of every person. Nor should we step in every time the choices and decisions of others bring disastrous results into their lives, even if we are able. Taking this a step further, should we even care when a person is reaping what they have deservedly sown? With such an attitude we most certainly had better watch our heart before Jesus. Can you imagine if He took that attitude toward us?
What about the undeserved misfortunes? What about injustices? Little doubt there are countless such situations that catch our notice and concern, and they should.
As disciples of Jesus, our stand and commission on this is very clear - "Love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34 How did Jesus love us? He loved us in preference to Himself. That is a tall order. Not only did He give up the glory of Heaven to come and rescue us by suffering and dying for us, but He did it even though we did not know, care, let alone deserve it!!!
WHY SHOULD WE CARE?
1- BECAUSE WE WANT TO BE OBEDIENT TO JESUS - "As the Father has sent Me, even so I send you." John 21:21 "A new commandment I give unto you, that you love one another as I have loved you." John 13:34 At the end of all debates, this is what He told us to do. Love is taking a genuine interest and concern for the welfare of others. That is what Jesus demonstrated to us. It is very simple, but requires heart and a willingness to sacrifice. Oh, but when we step out in the obedience of faith to do what He is prompting us to do, He is right there with us, empowering us to see it through. Praise the Lord! What an honor!!! When we hear of, or see some of these amazing feats of love and sacrifice done by believers, they will all, no doubt, tell you in the end that it was the Lord prompting them and working through them. Hudson Taylor said it like this, "Count on it. God's work done God's way, will not lack God's supply." (most assuredly this works for any of God's provisions) Helping others out of obedience to Jesus should be reason enough.
2- "FREELY YOU HAVE RECEIVED, FREELY GIVE." Matthew 10:8
Beginning with what it cost Jesus and God our Heavenly Father to purchase our salvation, what did it take for others to assist us in our walk? Should we not rightly take active interest in the welfare of others as the Lord gives us opportunity? Now we must be careful here. It is not a payment for our debt. GOD FORBID. That debt has been paid in full by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself, and NOTHING AT ALL can be added to it. Nor is it a guilt offering! But rather a reaching out with the love that brought us in, and an earnest eagerness to share His salvation and grace to help others.
3- SOMEONE CARED FOR US - is it not so? Not only did Jesus and God our Heavenly Father care for us, but others through them. Likely, some we will never know about until we make it to Heaven. We have no idea who were (and are) all those who have prayed for us, nor how many people have been instrumental in getting us this far? You did not make it here on your own, nor will you make it without the help of those whom the Lord will use in the future. That can be humbling. This way He helps keep us humble by using others, even some of whom we would typically not give the time of day. In so doing, He gets the glory, so that "no flesh should glory/boast in His presence."1 Corinthians 1:29 Now it is our turn to reach out and help others.
4- BECAUSE OF HIS LOVE - "For the love of Christ compels us." 2 Corinthians 5:14 NIV The same love that sent Him to earth, the same love that led Him to suffering and death for us, is now alive and active in us through His Holy Spirit Romans 5:5. All we need to do is heed His Word, follow the nudging of His Holy Spirit and watch for Him in the world around us. Friends, love has to be expressed and cannot be contained if it is to bear fruit for God. That means giving out, reaching out, helping out in earnest care as you are able. We do understand, however, that feelings do not always precede the action, but often follow the obedience of faith. Love is doing what is right and best for someone, regardless of how we feel or do not feel.
IMPLEMENTING THE SERVICE FOR THE KINGODM OF GOD INTO OUR DAILY LIVES
I have addressed this subject a number of times and in different ways, but the mastery of it can be difficult nonetheless. Some years ago I was visiting a friend's church while they were holding special meetings. At one point the guest speaker was recounting how he had been zealously serving the Lord in whatever he could find to do. He was involved in every church project, every activity, as well as some of his own. He wanted to do his best for the Lord, amen! Ultimately he began to burn out. He took his complaint to the Lord, and the Lord told Him to surrender his life completely to Him. He was flabbergasted. "What else can I do?" was his answer. "I am already doing all that I possibly can." Then the Lord showed him that he was to do only what He wanted him to do. There he learned that "My yoke is easy, and My burden is light." Matthew 11:30 If the devil cannot stop us, he also knows how to run us ragged.
THE SPIRIT LED LIFE
"Then Jesus answered and said to them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He see the Father do; for what ever things He does, these the Son does also likewise.'" John 5:19
"For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God." Romans 8:14
By following the leading and guidance of the Holy Spirit we are relieved from the unbearable burden of attempting to take on the care of the whole world in our flesh. Instead, by following His leading, it allows HIM to do HIS work through us resulting in making our service almost effortlessly manageable, full of good fruit, and He alone gets all the glory.
STABALIZING OUR RESPONSIBILITIES
"Everyone should remain after God calls him in the station or condition of life in which the summons found him." 1 Corinthians 7:20 AMP
This instruction is so critical in many ways. The one that I wish to point out is that it helps keep us from making presumptuous moves and changes that the Lord is not requiring. In this passage, the Lord through Paul is instructing us not to change your responsibilities once you become a Christian unless the Lord is requiring it of you. Rather be a disciple of Jesus in the situation which He calls you. I am not referring to the ones He needs to call you out of , meaning if it is incompatible with Biblical truth, Christ-like morals and godliness. In other words, if you were a husband and father, you had better not shirk that responsibility now that you are disciple of Jesus Christ. Instead, you must learn to become a Christ-like husband and father, and lead you family into the Kingdom of Christ.
At work it is the same. You should serve your employer in a godly, Christ-like, manner so as to "adorn" the Gospel, and thus bring glory to God before not only your bosses, but also your fellow workers and those your business is serving. I was listening to a preacher who was formally a millwright. A certain piece of specialized equipment was broken down and they had to call in a specialist. After exhausting all his known options, they called this man in. Apparently it was not a piece of equipment that he was trained on. When he took a look at it, the Lord showed him how it worked what the problem was, and what they needed to do to repair it. If I can correctly recall the story, he heard the boss say to the engineer that this man was a Christian. The engineer replied that they had one working for them as well, and he also impresses them in the same way. Praise the Lord! The Lord eventually called him to preach.
What I am saying here, is that when we turn our lives to Jesus, are filled with His Spirit and the desire to serve Him, unless He specifically calls us to do something else, we, in this life, glorify Him as we serve those around us for His sake. Not only does it cause us to flow naturally as believers in our world, but He is thereby actively involved in every facet of our society through us. Imagine that, every parent, teacher, caregiver, carpenter, nurse, plumber, mechanic, police, doctor, salesperson... politician....serving Jesus in their responsibilities and trades. Should it not be so?
HOW ELSE CAN I BE MY BROTHER'S KEEPER?
Now that you realize that God may not expect you to be the next Billy Graham or Mother Theresa, you are relieved from feeling responsible to try and meet every need and save every person on the planet. Nevertheless, be assured that the Lord has not relieved us of the responsibility of being "OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER". Cain's attitude reflects the heart of all sin, which is self-centeredness. That is the complete opposite to the love of God. So how does that fit in since we are already busy and can only do so much? Business and responsibility are not acceptable excuses to neglect, overlook, pass by, the pressing needs of others that may cross our paths. Jesus left us with the beautiful illustration of the Good Samaritan in contrast to the priest and the Levite Luke 10:30-37. The Good Samaritan had other needs he needed to tend to as well. Which was why he paid the Inn Keeper to finish taking care of the man.
As already discussed in 'Revivals, What is God doing Now?' we may be asking what is God doing now? But what are we doing with the Love of God that is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost? Romans 5:5 That love actively working out in our lives reveals the work of Christ in the world today, is it not? When we are allowing the Holy Spirit in us to help someone by lending a hand to a hurting neighbour, a stranger, or even an enemy; or to spend time in prayer for the lost, or to share what we have with those without, and even check in on the sick...as in Matthew 25:34-40 , this is the Spirit of Christ working through us. True, anyone can do this, and they may not even be a believer. God can and does use anyone to meet needs and answer prayer. Remember the natives on the island of Malta, on which the ship Paul was being transported was shipped wrecked, "And the natives showed us extraordinary kindness..." Acts 28:2 NAS. Often we have little excuse.
I must be frank here. Little doubt we have all missed opportunities numerous times. When we do, we ask for His forgiveness, repent, and keep moving ahead with an open heart, an open mind, and in the spirit of humility and love. How many times did Jesus come knocking at our door, and we were too busy? Or have we entertained angels unaware? (Hebrews 13:2)
.THIS IS OUR TIME, THIS IS OUR OPPORTUNITY
- We are not here by accident, this is our time, this is our opportunity to shine as stars in the universe for His Kingdom and glory (Philippians 2:15). Indeed we have our concerns and affairs which too shall bring Him glory and be a blessing to others as we yield them to Him. But there are also the affairs and concerns of others that may be initially wholly detached from anything within our sphere of concern and responsibility that Jesus may want you to intervene on. Dear Lord help us see that I am my brother's keeper.
No, this is not an opportunity nor licence to be a meddler or nosy, and the Holy Spirit will let you know. For instance we are called to be peacemakers, Matthew 5:9, but not to meddle in strife that is not our business Proverbs 26:17 Again, the goal is to live a Spirit led life, and that is not as easy as it sounds. The trap we do not want to fall into is putting things off to a later date. "I am not ready now. I will help out when things are different." We have no guarantees of tomorrow, and often that convenient day never seems to come.
DO WE REALLY CARE?
- Many years ago when I was single, while working at the Christian school at our church, one of the mothers who had a couple of teenage boys asked me in earnest desperation more than once to help her boys. If I would only spend a very little time with them, at least with one of them, and later on to write to one that was joining the military, which I never did. I may have even given her a "Yeah, Ok." type of answer. Deep in my heart I knew that it was the right thing to do, and I felt that maybe I should, and if I had to I would. But frankly I was not all that interested in going out of my way, nor was I overly concerned. Here I am decades latter and now we are in her shoes. I desperately wanted some of the older Christian young people to take interest in my teens and help them along. Actually a couple of them have done far more and far better than I ever did. For me, I was too busy, too detached. Now I can sympathize with her wherever they are, and I am ashamed before God. My hope is that they have stayed faithful to Jesus in this evil and turbulent world, and that the Lord had raised up someone who did help shepherd them.
HOW CAN WE STAND BY?
Years ago, I read a small article in the Readers Digest about an incident that someone observed. Apparently there was a man drowning. While he was struggling, people on the shore (or bridge) stood around watching. Then this young man, a Hippie, when he saw what was going on, undressed down to his underwear, jumped in and saved the man. When he got out he said to the people watching, "I just couldn't stand around and watch a man drown." No doubt he was capable of rescuing a drowning person, and not everyone is, but was there no other initiative amongst the entire crowd? Understandably, we are fearful of the risk, of getting involved, of failure, or what it might cost. This young man stripped down to his underwear in front of everyone, taking no consideration for his own embarrassment and pride or health. He laid it all aside with his cloths to save a drowning man. Is that not what Jesus did for us? Should we not desire to follow in His footsteps? How can we, who know someone is perishing, heading to disaster, just stand by and do nothing? Proverbs 24:11-12
WHAT IS AT STAKE?
HOW IMPORTANT IS HIS CALL TO SEEK FIRST THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS?
- NOTHING LESS THAN PEOPLE'S WELFARE AND THEIR ETERNAL SOULS
I have said a lot regarding this topic, perhaps too much. So let me get right to the point. The world and all it wonders and beauty is filled with people who are struggling, suffering, and perishing. We ourselves, through faith in the Lord Jesus Christ have found salvation, hope, peace, and comfort in the midst of all of it on our journey to heaven. Are we doing our part in reaching out to others who have not yet found Him? What about our concern for so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ who are struggling in their faith to hold on for another day, are we aware? Are we concerned? Have we noticed new people who have come to church, or those who do not come any longer? Do we care? How? Was that little boy who offered his lunch of the five loaves and two small fish being ridiculously helpful? How useful was his tiny lunch for over 5000 people? What did he do? He offered it to Jesus, and Jesus filled in the gap John 6. Does God actually need anything we have to offer? No, but He does call us to work together with Him, time is precious, and the needs are urgent
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WHAT IS SO URGENT!?
1- PEOPLE NEED TO GET SAVED - Everyone needs to believe on Jesus lest they die in their sins. That is where the Gospel comes in. They need to hear it. Someone needs to preach it, and if you cannot, pray that God will send someone who can. Romans 10:13-15, Luke 10:2
2- PEOPLE NEED TO BE DELIVERED FROM THE SLAVERY OF SIN AND THE POWER OF DARKENSS - "Jesus answered them, 'Truly, truly, I say to you, whosoever commits sin is the servant of sin...If the Son therefore shall make you free, you shall be free indeed." John 8:34,36
"Who has delivered us from the power of darkness, and has translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son." Colossians 1:13
Again the answer is the Gospel, teaching, and the ministry of deliverance. But if none of these are in the sphere of your ability, one thing you can do is intercessory prayer. That is the type of prayer where we stand in the gap before God Almighty and intercede (make urgent requests) on behalf of the precious souls. Numbers 14:11-21
3- PEOPLE NEED HELP - This is obvious. If they have a desperate physical need, financial need, emotional need, we fill in where we are able, or find someone who can. And most assuredly we can pray if we are unable to do anything else. Matthew 25:34-40
HOW CAN I HELP? THINGS WE CAN DO WITHOUT EXCUSE
"For if there be first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what a man has, not to what he has not. 2 Corinthians 8:12.
Again, there are times and reasons why we cannot and maybe even should not do anything, but there is always something that everyone can do... -PRAY! This is such an open, unrestricted, unstoppable, service. It is not restricted to age, gender, knowledge, ability, skill. Anyone and everyone can pray! Who knows, your prayers can save a soul from hell, cause someone to escape disaster. I knew a Christian woman who's husband fell into great sin. Although their marriage fell apart, she prayed and fasted for him until she broke through. She told me that no matter what happens to him, she knew that he would make it to heaven. Years later their daughter led her father back to Jesus before he died.
What situation is hopeless? What is impossible? "Jesus said to him, 'But if you can believe, all things are possible to him that believes.'" Mark 9:23
"And Jesus answering said to them, 'Have faith in God. For truly I say to you, that whosoever shall say to this mountain, 'Be removed and be cast into the sea,' and shall not doubt in his heart, but shall believe that those things which he says shall come to pass, he shall have whatsoever he says. Therefore I say to you, 'What ever things you desire, when you pray, believe that you receive them, and you shall have them.'" Mark 11:22-24
"Ask, and you shall receive; seek, and you shall find; knock and it shall be opened unto you. For every one that asks receives; and he that seeks finds; and to him that knocks it shall be opened." Matthew 7:7-8
In Christ Jesus, as covenant related children of God, we are in a amazing position of influence for the wellbeing of the world around us. By faith in Him and according to His Word, we can make a difference that can change situations, save lives, and deliver souls. The possibilities are endless. It does not come from us, it is totally Him, but He will work with us and use us if we will work with Him and trust him. THERE IS ALWAYS HOPE! "And hope makes not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given to us." Romans 5:5
GIVING -GOODS AND FINANCES
Again, as Christians we hear this constantly. Because the work of the Kingdom of God is not a governmentally funded service, and the workers do not have secular support, nor can they charge for their services, it must come from somewhere. They need to look to the Lord, but Jesus will look to us. That is a hard pill to swallow at times. Most of us do not have an over abundance and surplus, if any at all. No one can command us, but if the Holy Spirit is prompting us to give in some manner, we do not want to miss out on the blessing. Now look, God may not have asked us to go to a foreign land, or to be a street evangelist, but if the Lord directs us we can help someone whom He has called to go. In this way we can share in the work of the Kingdom of God. Your finances can do amazing things that you may never find out about until you get to heaven. So be encouraged, "And let us not be not weary in well doing. For in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men; especially unto them who are of the household of faith." Galatians 6:9-10
GIVING OF OUR TIME - One of the greatest hindrances of serving in the Kingdom of God is investing the necessary time. Jesus gave us the stern illustration of a king who arranged a wedding banquet for his son, and all those that were invited made excuses why they could not come, and therefore were excluded from the privilege of being able to attend. Each seemed to have a valid excuse, but they were just excuses compared to the honor denied. Matthew 22:1-14 The call to take up our cross and follow Jesus is not a light plea. The Kingdom of God and the welfare of His people in this world is His priority, and it should be ours as well. We cannot take lightly the admonitions of duty in the Scriptures and wonder why the world is turning out the way it is, people are not getting saved (turning to Jesus), and so many believers seem to be falling back. We can be so busy and preoccupied with our own needs, interests, and concerns, we can forget or neglect those of the Lord's, and then wonder why nothing is happening, why our children are floundering, and why our life of faith seems so wanting.
LOVE GIVES whatever it takes to care for the needs of the loved ones. Did you notice how much time, energy, and money, you can spend on your passions and interests? There always seems to be lots available for that. True, we want to avoid extremes where people have invested so much time in trying to do what they think is serving God by helping other people that they lose their own children. God would never ask us such things. So we need to be ever so careful to following His leading when serving Him, and realize that our spouse and children are His too, and need our priority time and attention. We just do not limit these responsibilities to be our boundaries. When taking a task, we first sit down and calculate the cost of time, energy, and possibly finances, plot it carefully with Biblical balance and boarders, then embrace it wholeheartedly until you have completed it, Luke 14:28-29
Your time and commitment for the Kingdom of God can make huge impact on the faith and needs of others which you may never know.
CONCLUSION - AS 'MY BROTHER'S KEEPER,' EXPECT TO BE
IMPORTUNED, DISRUPTED, INCONVIENENCED
Needs, like babies, do not always come when we are ready, and often when we are the most unprepared. Being 'Our Brother's Keeper' can be much the same, but "Love is patient, love is kind...It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
1 Corinthians 13:4-8
Expect to be importuned, disrupted, inconvenienced. Expect to be taken advantage of, but expect the feeling of thankfulness and joy inexpressible.
"And the King shall say to them on His right hand, 'Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you fed Me: I was thirsty, and you gave Me drink: I was a stranger and you took Me in: Naked, and you clothed Me: I was sick, and you visited Me: I was in prison, and you came to Me...Truly I say to you, inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these My brothers, you have done it to Me....'"
"So any person knows what is right to do but does not do it, to him it is sin." James 4:17 WE ARE OUR BROTHER'S KEEPER
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