Everyday Heroes: Helpers
Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.
Philippians 2:4 (ESV)
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
Hebrews 13:16 (ESV)
Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (ESV)
Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.
Proverbs 19:17 (ESV)
What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.
James 2:14-17 (ESV)
Everyday heroes are stand-up helpers. While others debate what needs to be done, God’s hero-helpers step up to do it.
While others pray and go about their day, helpers pray, too, then go OUT OF THEIR WAY… to help those in need!
Like how?
To shed every “crown” of self-importance,
To judge no job as too small or too large,
To consider no person “beneath” them,
To face off bullies and defend the weak,
To take on “dirty jobs,” like foot-washing,
To abandon excess and live simply,
To help people stranded on the roadside,
To regard and help everyone who asks,
To put others’ needs ahead of their own,
To visit the sick and pray for healing,
To welcome pilgrims, strangers, and orphans,
To volunteer for the jobs no one wants,
To change their plans and do what’s difficult,
To carry their cross and do what God asks,
To love God and The Word above all else,
To strive to act, look, and live like Jesus.
Jesus hits the nail of need on its head, repeatedly, with God’s authority:
'A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples' (John 13:34-35).
He hits it with relatable stories:
'So he went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine; and he set him on his own animal, brought him to an inn, and took care of him' (Luke 10:34, The Parable of the Good Samaritan).
He hits it with miraculous actions:
'He healed many who were sick with various diseases, and cast out many demons' (Mark 1:34); He fed 'The five thousand' and 'The four thousand' (Mark 8:19-20). He calmed the seas (see Mark 4:39).
'And there are also many other things that Jesus did, which if they were written one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written' (John 21:25).
Finally, Jesus let the nails hit Him. Can we do less than offer assistance?
Therefore, 'Brethren, do not grow weary in doing good' (2 Thessalonians 3:13). Because to do good is all about love. And the sign of love is offering help.
Everyday Heroes: Helpers (Part 16, Conclusion)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God! We’re ALL called to be actors (action stars) for Jesus. We’re ALL called to models of Jesus, and we ALL have gifts, talents, and callings from God– to multiply them in the world for His glory.
P.S. NO DEVOTION, PREACHER, or SERMON… can begin to replace personal time in the Bible. I wholeheartedly and clear-headedly recommend READING THE BIBLE DAILY.
WARNING: Don’t focus on favorite verses, because out of context, they’re often misinterpreted. I plead with you to READ AT LEAST 1 BIBLE CHAPTER DAILY. How long does it take? An average of 5 to 10 minutes!