Thoughts for another day

Jan. 15, 2010

Today's verse: Col. 3:23. And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; (KJV)
(Pls. read the above before you read further. Thanks)

My neighbor comes running to me for some help. I help her because I’m known to be a ‘godly’ person and devout. Then after some days, she passes by me on the road and pretends she’s not seen me. I’m angry and feel insulted. I say, ‘look at that woman I helped; she’s so ungrateful, etc. etc. Then I throw a coin into the hands of a beggar and the person takes it without so much as even looking at me in acknowledgement and I’m incensed thinking: the fool, I gave money and he didn’t even look at me, leave alone thank me!

Have these been your experiences? They certainly have been mine and well, both of us are right in these reactions when seen in a worldly way. But when it comes to God, we’re wrong. See Jesus, He went about doing good and healing everybody. But, when it came to Him, none of the people He helped even stood up for Him. All ran away like rats on a sinking ship. Was Jesus upset? Never. He even prayed for those who acted against Him saying, ‘Father forgive them for they know not what they do.’

My friend in God’s territory it’s like this: Whenever you help somebody, you help not them but the Lord. Have no expectations from anyone for a good you might have done them. Rather expect your reward from God in due time. When your attitude is to please God and do good things for His sake (and not to take it as an entry into the account of the person helped so when help is needed from that person then it can be demanded), God is pleased and surely He will help you when you are in need for it is God’s nature to provide help and counseling. Besides, let me tell you that if you take this approach as working for God when you help others, then even your body language will be cheerful as you are confident God will repay.