Growing In Grace

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Growing In Grace Part 11 - Checking if the Theory Works

by Gail Rodgers
Last night our book club gathered for our potluck supper to discuss the latest book we had picked to read: “How to Outlive Your Life” by Max Lacado. The stuffed mushrooms were excellent, the chili and fresh buns along with the cashew and raisin salad with homemade dressing was wonderful.
Part way through our meal we turned our attention to our book discussion. Max Lacado did a superb job of challenging us to look beyond ourselves. I read out loud the words of Jesus from Matthew 25:34-45…

“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, 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.”
Then the righteous will answer him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?”
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.” Matthew 25:34-45

We were enjoying a selection of teas along with a delicious gluten free dessert square when the phone interrupted our pleasant evening. It was a neighbour needing a ride to the hospital emergency room. It seemed no one else was available. I was irritated. We had looked forward to this evening that had been hard to schedule with our busy lives. I didn’t want to leave the table and head out on the winter roads to the hospital a half hour away. It could be a long wait there too. I complained. I felt pressured. I felt less than gracious. And then I realized…
God knows me better than I know myself. It’s easy to sit in the comfort of my home sipping tea, and talking about how we want to serve others as we seek to serve Jesus. Yet when it’s inconvenient, or annoying or challenging the heart gets tested on its sincerity.
As we quickly cleared things up and I got ready to leave we took a brief moment to pray for each other. When we ask God to teach us, He will take us up on not only knowing the theory but also practicing the application of what we are learning.
prayer & reflection

Lord God,
When You see the desire of our hearts to serve You, You make the opportunities available. May we have willing hearts to leave our comfort zones to show Your love to the hungry world. Forgive the selfishness that surfaces and fill us afresh with the joy of being Your hands and feet.
In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.