UNSELFISH SERVICE

Where do service and charity end? Certainly, not in the home. Selfish homes produce selfish children and God’s Kingdom and God’s world suffers. What can be done to change this condition?

“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy.”

There is an obvious route that travels from the head to the heart to the hands. God’s Word enters our lives through our head. We hear the Word preached and taught, and read and meditate on the Word each day. But it must not stop there. It must reach into our hearts – the very center of our lives, and then move outward through our hands in service and charity to others. It’s the head, heart, hands conception and connection.

What is in our hearts always comes out in our lives. Noble character is of little good if character is an end in itself. In fact, the sign of our character is seen in what we do in our homes first and then God’s world. One pastor said, “A saving faith is always seen in serving others.” If we are saved, we will serve.

There can be little doubt that our love for God is always seen in our attitude and actions toward those in need. Proverbs contain many warnings about those who refuse to be charitable, and in fact, reminds us that giving to the poor is the same as lending to God.

“Open arms and extended” hands, however, is much more than giving “things.” It is surrendering one’s self to serve. It includes time, talents and teaching God’s way to others.

Prayer: Father, we owe so much to others because of what You have given us. May we all serve sacrificially by following the example of Your Son, our Savior! In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:  She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. Proverbs 31:20