Yesterday I heard a joke. It seems a man approached a kind minister's wife, known for her tender heart and benevolent nature. He related to her the story of a young widow with four small children. The widow had no family to turn to, and her baby was ill. He told how, unless they somehow came up with $400 to pay the rent, the family would be out on the street.
Deeply moved, the minister's wife reached for her purse. "And might I ask who you are, sir?" she inquired. "I'm the widow's landlord," was his reply!
Over the course of our frenzied, tension filled days, we frequently cross paths with people who have specific needs. Often we think, "Somebody should do something for that poor soul." Or we whisper a prayer, imploring the Lord to help them.
We might think to our self, "Well, I'm not a wealthy person. I sometimes struggle to care for my own family." Believe me, I can relate. And of course we ought to pray for those in need. But, why not go one step further?
The next time you're grocery shopping, could you pick up a few extra non-perishables for your church's pantry? Can you give a cold bottle of water to the homeless man on the corner? Are you able to invite a lonely, elderly neighbor for dinner? Could you donate clothing you no longer wear and a little of your time to a women's shelter? Would you visit someone in the hospital or in prison?
We are the Body of Christ. Let us strive to be His hands and feet. Today, I encourage you to look around your world and see what needs you can meet in the lives of those around you. Let us be more like the minister's wife and less like the landlord — that person that needs to help when we hear about a need is most likely us!
