What Are You Doing to Others?

Today’s Reading: Matthew 25:31-46

In a world that surrounds us with the idea that we should think of ourselves first, Jesus is telling us the complete opposite. Not only is he telling us to help others, to feed the hungry, to give drink to the thirsty, to welcome strangers, to clothe the needy, to take care of the sick, and to visit the imprisoned, he is telling us that when we do these things for others, it is the same as doing it for him. I know you have all heard this before, but I want you to stop and really think about this. Anything that we do to others, we are doing to Jesus. Now what are you doing to others? Is it the things that Jesus asked us to do, or is it something else?
We can’t expect only the good things that we do for people to count---what about the things that we do wrong, what about the things that we just don’t do? Are we doing those things to Jesus as well? With every unkind word or deed that we do or say, it is like we are doing it and saying it to Jesus. Has this hit you as hard as it has hit me? I hope so! What about when we do nothing at all? Could that be even worse?

This idea became very real to me when I began to think of my own children. When someone does something for them, maybe nothing big, just something kind and helpful, it is like they did it for me, it seems that I appreciate it even more than they do. It gives me great comfort and joy when someone is kind to my children. However, when someone causes harm or hurts my children in any way, it brings something out it me that nothing else does, and not just anger, it is such a deep hurt when my children are did wrong in any way. Now think about Jesus’ love for us and how much greater it is.

My friend one day we will all be separated, but there will only be two sides. I so desire to be one of the sheep that the King places on his right. What about you? This path will not always be the easiest, but it will be the greatest path that you will ever take.