Called to Care

“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me,’ (40)  “He will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ (45)

Matthew 25:40-45

            Jesus makes it abundantly clear throughout the Gospel accounts that his followers have “to make a choice between living to enjoy our money or living to bless the poor with it.”  Listen to his words in Luke 12:33-34—“Sell your possessions and give to the poor.  Provide purses for yourselves that will not wear out, a treasure in heaven that will not be exhausted, where no thief comes near and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

            How do we use our money?  Are we called to care for ourselves and/or to care for others?  Jesus teaches that we are to use our money to help others.  He even equates helping the poor with personally helping Him.  When we do for the poor—feeding the hungry—giving drink to the thirsty—inviting a stranger in—clothing the naked—visiting the sick—visiting the prisoners; it is as if we are doing it for Jesus Christ Himself.

            The follower of Christ is called to care.  Being a Christian is far more than believing a creed or set of doctrines.  Being a Christian is far more than living a norm of behavior.  Being a Christian is doing for others what Christ would do Himself.  Being a Christian is reacting, behaving, bringing to completion the very involvement of Jesus Christ in that given situation.  The follower of Christ is called to care.  The follower of Christ is called to involvement.  The follower of Christ is called to do something.  The follower of Christ is called to live out Christ in everyday life.  The follower of Christ is called to be the very presence of Jesus Christ in every circumstance.

            Note the consequence of failing to live out Christ in everyday life—particularly to the poor:  “Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”

How do you view money and possessions?  Held tightly to yourself or as gifts from God to be used to care for others?

            What adjustments might you have to make in your life as a result of new understanding from this Scripture?

            How would you be able to respond to the Lord if he asked you; “Why did you not help?”

Arise, Lord!  Lift up your hand,

O God.

Do not forget the helpless.

Psalm 10:12