Tag Archives: helpfulness

The Lord takes personally how we treat His people.

Matthew 25:31-46

One right after the other, Matthew 25 records some parables of Jesus that sober the soul. They all show only two types of disciples — the faithful and the unfaithful.

Why am I given this sneak peek and advance notice now?

Among whom do I live: sheep or goats?

Why do good to others?

What drives my compassion?

How aware am I of another’s needs?

Am I ever allowed to ignore another’s needs?

Does God always expect us to give, having received?

Shall I serve according to the minimum of their need or the maximum of my ability?

Which is my standard: doing good or not doing bad?

Which eternal destiny am I choosing? Continue reading →

Is my focus on others' non-service ruining my gladness?

“Serve the LORD with gladness.”

The thought crossed my mind as I thought thoughts on my early morning walk three days ago. (I bristle sometimes at the complaining service God’s people render to Him sometimes.)

“Serve the LORD with gladness,” came the verse piece plopping into my critical thoughts. Made me think that my bristling criticisms had a ready, worthy target in the very organ generating them.

Serve the Lord with gladness (Psalm 100:2)

“Serve the LORD with gladness,” the brief cascade of Scriptures began.

Because “God loveth a cheerful giver” was the next verse fragment.

Because we are both tasked and privileged to do whatever we do “heartily, as to the Lord.”

Because “it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful.”

Because we each have our own calling in which to be faithful and what another person does for Jesus and His church is…well, “What is that to thee? Follow thou me.” Continue reading →