“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ -Jesus, Matthew 25:34-36
I read a great quote recently in the book Glocalization. The title of the chapter was “Follow Jesus on CNN.” The author explained that he believes Christians should go “where hell is breaking loose” and that that is God’s way of saying to his people “over here!” I absolutely love that and could not agree more! Because here is the simple truth of the matter: If we love Jesus, we will actively serve those most in need. Period.
The other day, while driving to the office of our international mission organization (ServeNow), my heart wanted to burst as I thought about Jesus and the day that I will stand before him. At that moment, it was as if my passion was suddenly renewed for serving those most in need around the world. That is what I love about ServeNow, it really is something more than just an organization. It is a means through which I, and others, can show in action our love for Jesus by serving the most vulnerable. Of course, we are not the only means by which love for Jesus can be shown, but that is why I appreciate the opportunity to lead ServeNow…because I love Jesus!
Take a moment with me and press the fast-forward button on your life. Go to the end (for we know how it ends!) and hit pause. Imagine this day when you will stand before Jesus, the King himself. Imagine what that moment will be like. At that time, we will not have the luxury of looking ahead, but behind. What did we do with our lives? How did we demonstrate our love for Jesus in the brief time we were given on this earth? Who did we serve in his name and for his sake? How many received hope because we acted out of our love for Jesus?
Or maybe you have lost that spark. Perhaps you have grown weary of doing good. Maybe you look at the world and see only despair. Perhaps you need your hope renewed, joy restored, and passion re-engaged. If that is you, look into the eyes of Jesus. Receive his love for you. Feel his passion pulsating through his eyes of fire. Think upon the cross. Do what Hebrews 12:3 calls us to do: Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.
Or perhaps you are in love with Jesus and itching to act on that love. Maybe you are looking for an opportunity, a means, a way. Perhaps you wonder what opportunities to act on or where you should go and who you should serve. Let me simply encourage you to follow Jesus’ example, who went around doing good.
I believe we overthink it way too much. Or sometimes, we think our “small” actions are also insignificant. After all, a cup of cold water does not last very long! But the truth is nothing lasts forever except the work God does in our hearts and lives. No matter how small, every action is significant to Jesus, remembered by Jesus and will be rewarded by Jesus!
Where do you see a need? Meet it. Where do you see “hell breaking loose?” Run there, not away from there! If we love Jesus, we will serve him by serving the most vulnerable. We will not be tied up by political drama, despair, or other distractions. And if we are not helping those most in need, then perhaps we have lost our love for Jesus. If that is the case, fall in love with Jesus again. You will know it has happened when you find yourself serving him by serving others compelled and motivated by his love for you.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ -Matthew 25:40
Ben Foley 