THE PERFECT PLACE
“And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.”–Luke 24:47
We live in a troubled world and there’s not a lot we can do to change it– except where we are. I didn’t say there’s nothing we can do. We can do things like send missionaries to far away places, etc. But for the most part we are limited to the reach of our touch or the sound of our voice. And we ought to do as the old song says, “Brighten the corner where you are”.
That raises a question, “Where are you?” Are you on a sick bed, visiting a patient in the hospital, at the funeral home, dead broke, etc.? Are you at school, on the job, or in the home? Is there not something you could do to bless those around you? We can almost always find someone within arms length that could use our help. Some have the idea that nothing of note can be accomplished unless they are in a better place, travel the globe, give large sums of money, find fame, or influence lots of people. However, the fact is we can do great things right where we are. Remember, it is God, not man, who determines what’s great and what’s not. And He expects us to minister where we are and how we can. Sometimes it’s the so-called little thing,s that mean the most. A smile, hug, handshake, or a kind word can make a big difference in someone’s life.
We should never underestimate the importance of ministering to just one person. We never meet an unimportant person. Christ died for all, so our concern should extend to all. It’s not our job to decide who is important and who is not. Those you think are the least deserving of kindness probably need it the most. We need to stop with the excuses and do as God commands which is to do good to all men. He doesn’t expect us to do what we can’t and He doesn’t excuse us from doing what we can. God puts us in contact with people for a purpose. God forbid that we ignore them.
Some try to excuse themselves from duty by saying circumstances aren’t as they need to be, and that keeps them from doing what they should. There’s no excuse for that. Such a ministry doesn’t require great talent, wealth, extreme effort, or great intelligence. The only thing required is love. That is the grand motive that moves that moves us to action. Without love, Paul tells us, we are nothing. With love we cheerfully reach out to meet the needs of others and to please them. And that is well pleasing to God!—HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
