No, really--what would Jesus do?
"Do nothing [out of] selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves; do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. Have this attitude in yourselves, which was also in Christ Jesus..."~Philippians 2:3-5
I was walking home from the bus stop one night, and a young woman no more than 30 years of age approached me and asked for money so she could get something to eat. I didn't have any cash on me, and I told her that, and kept walking. Usually that excuse works, but this woman continued to follow me and asked if I'd go with her to the Chinese restaurant. There was an ATM there and I could get the money and also buy her a meal. I told her I don't take out money from ATMs and continued to walk home.
I've been asking God for a while now what it is He wants me to do as far as ministry. One of my goals is to begin or lead out in a ministry before I turn 30. That night though, after I got into my new studio (with the car I own in full parked directly out front) and locked my door behind me, turned on my heater, and ate my dinner in my warm bed, I realized that all Jesus has asked me to do is to be like Him. And I wasn't acting like Him at all.
What would Jesus have done that night? He would have made sure that young woman had dinner. Period. I had to be terribly honest with myself and admit that if Jesus were on Earth today, He would not have walked away from that woman. He would have given what her what He had. He would have walked with her to the restaurant if He didn't have cash. I could have afforded to buy that woman groceries for the week, let alone one night's meal. I don't think we realize how wealthy we are, even those of us who claim to be "broke." God has given us so much so that we can in turn give to others. If we, as Christ-ians, claim to represent Christ, we must do as He did. We have to put others before ourselves. As our verse reads, we're to treat others even better than we would treat ourselves.
I'm praying to God for two things: (1) forgiveness for living so selfishly and waiting for the perfect church ministry to come along when I can minister to the people in my community every day, and (2) a mind like His. I want to be able to ask myself "WWJD," and then do as He would.
Amen. Glad you recognized this, even thought it might have been too late with the case of the hungry stranger the fact that you were able to sit down, look around and really appreciate all thats been given to you was great nevertheless.
ReplyDeleteSometimes we wait for a big 'moment' to come around just to show that we are Christians. It might not be as big as defending the gospel and shouting the streets with a bible in our hand but it can be as little and as simple as our actions to those around us.
...But no worries, I probably would have done the same thing too just out of fear. God is molding & shaping each and every one of us. Thanks for this word
Stephanie
http://itzspittingglitter.blogspot.com/
Thank you for this Testimony, because thats Exactly what it was...a TEST- i- mony. You passed the test because you acknowledge where you went wrong, you confessed and now you know what to do for next time! WWJD!!!!! I pray God will give you your hearts Desire! God Bless!
ReplyDeleteYou are not selfish I can see that without ever meeting you. It would be unwise to take cash out Atm alone with stranger present. There is many ways to help people. Donate gently clothes to welfare to work programs. Or you could mentor young women don't beat yourself up. Pray for guidance.
ReplyDeleteI understand where you are coming from. I do things all the time and then regret them because I know Jesus would not do that. I then end up correcting my ways. My aunt one time gave her breakfast to a woman who was begging for food and money. When the lady looked at the food she threw it and said I want money. When things like this happen we turn our backs on others, but we must always keep in the back of our minds WWJD. I pray all the time for guidance and to be able to walk in the path of Jesus.
ReplyDeleteNot sure if my previous post went through, but thanks for posting this!
ReplyDeleteI don't know if you realize it or not, but you already have a ministry. Granted, I looooove the clothes and fashion, but the Weekly Word is also something that I look forward to as well because it's so honest and I know there will be something written that God wants me to receive. Blessings! :-)
jamie