Dirty Hands

You are looking for someone that's struggling, in order to help share their load. Do you not see the burden on your brother's back?

You are passionate about helping the starving indigenous people of wherever. Will you feed the hungry man on the corner down the street?

You are looking for someone to share the Gospel with. Have you forgotten about that friend you grew up with, the one you know isn't a believer; the one you give a 'pass' to because it would be awkward to approach the subject?

The further removed a problem is, the more convenient it is to to pitch in your token assistance (or your token concern) and feel better about yourself while keeping your precious distance. Don't let anyone else's problems get too close to home, or they may make you get your hands a little dirty. They make make you sweat a bit. They may cost a little more than you actually want to give of yourself.

Give to world hunger relief organizations. Invite the stranger with the 'Will work for food' sign to a meal.

Show your support for those fighting intolerance and injustice in that foreign country. Be loving towards the guy at work that just rubs you the wrong way, and the one who holds such very different beliefs.

Help shoulder the load for the financially needy in your community. Don't neglect the emotional needs of the average Joe you pass by every day in the hall.

Donate towards the printing of tracts and Bibles in every language. Spread the Gospel among those you know the very best.

Ask. Seek. Inquire. Find out what makes people tick, what drives them, what goals they have, what scars they carry. Find out what needs you can meet for the barista you see every morning, or the guy that cleans the floors in your office. You see him at least one a week — do you even know his name?

Don't forget to help the guy next door when you're working on saving the world. Don't limit your charity to non-contact, zero-investment, emotionless drive-by donations. And don't hide your lamp under a basket because it's awkward to be different.

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.”

Ephesians 2:10