“Let each of you look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.” (Philippians Modern English Version)
I own a small, brown, faux leather suitcase, originally purchased to join my collection of décor item. The original intent was not that it be used as a storage piece, but this week I brought it out of the space in my house where décor items abide in retirement, and I used it to store reward prizes as part of an incentive for our tutoring and mentoring students who get to choose their prizes after completing their academic work with their assigned tutor. Just as a side note: You yourself may be called out of your self-imposed retirement to return to serving in a useful way in kingdom building, if you have not come to grips with the fact there is no retirement as a disciple who has a purpose to fulfill. It may be different than when you initially had a purpose, but you are still here because God has a purpose for you.
Back to the story. Usually, the students in our tutoring and mentoring program take turns at the end of a session, sifting through the variety of prizes to find what they want. I usually add to the suitcase prizes every week if not every session. Another side note: There is a reward for each of us, referring to believers, attached with an incentive and a prize. The incentive is to hear the Lord tell us, “Well done” at the end of the time He uses us on earth. The prize is one that cannot be topped, and it is not one we get because of good work, but because of grace. Yes, the prize is eternal life.
Again, back to the story. This past Monday the oldest student in our tutoring group showed up early, along with her younger sister. While the younger sister helped me get the refreshments, cups, and napkins set out, the older sister took the prizes out of the repurpose décor suitcase, sorted them out by the type of gift, and arranged them neatly on the table. She continued to do so the next day, Tuesday, as if this was now her job. I imagine she was trying to make it easier for students to select their gift and minimize the time that it would take to sort through the many rewards. She was obviously thinking of others, and she was outstanding by being helpful.
Every one of these “Be” meditations this week has come with a charge. Charge sounds better than an order and some since some may confuse an admonition with a punishment simply because the words rhyme. So, I have opted to use the word charge. Today, this blessed Thursday morning, today is no exception to the need to include a charge just for you. Yes, you got it! Your charge is to be helpful today. As our parents used to say, “I’m not playing with you!
Be helpful! I’m sure you will find yourself in a setting or a standout interaction where someone is seeking, directly or indirectly, advice or counsel. Be helpful! Or maybe you will see an opportunity to aid someone who is struggling or to assist someone who needs to consider what God has to say about a matter when one is struggling to make the right choice. Be helpful! Perhaps you might even help someone realize that your demeanor, your disposition, your delight in life, regardless of your circumstance, is possible because of the Christ in you. If so, tell them that it is no longer you who live, but the Christ who lives in you. Be helpful! Whatever opportunity that you are presented with, remember that your guideline must be godly. Since God is helpful and you were created in His image, be helpful! The charge sent to you today by this sent messenger, yours truly, has a specific purpose. The specific message sent from above is” Today I want you to be helpful.” That’s your charge. Be refreshed by your generosity called “help.” Again, “Be helpful!” Be blessed!
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” (Proverbs 11:25 NIV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King