Sacred and Worthwhile Inconveniences
If you think about it, most good deeds are inconvenient to do—and the bigger the need, the more inconvenient it usually is.
That’s because somebody else’s need means it’s going to cost us something in the way of time, effort, or resources.
And because we tend to be self-absorbed people by nature, the Scripture provides powerful motivation so that we “don’t just look to our own interests, but also to the interests of others” (Philippians 2:4).
Whether it’s providing a listening ear or lending a helping hand, doing good to others requires a break from our regular pursuit of taking care of our own personal matters.
But if we take Jesus’ words to heart, i.e., “when you’ve done it to the least of My brothers, you’ve done it unto Me,” then so-called inconveniences become sacred and worthwhile endeavors!
And talk about incentive! I may not think I have the time to patiently listen to someone pour out their troubles, but if it’s Jesus standing there, I’m all ears.
And according to the Lord, it is Jesus standing there.
What an awesome way to help us out of our usual self-absorbed thinking and dangle that proverbial carrot in front of our faces!
Here it is again:
“And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded” (Matthew 10:24).
Jesus’ point here isn’t the size of the blessing we provide, it’s that reward will come for even the smallest of efforts to minister to someone.
Helping people in need is a gospel mandate and (as we all know) includes more than just assisting fellow Believers.
As Paul writes, “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10).
A cup of cold water, by the way, is any kind of uplifting deed done that refreshes (blesses) someone like a cup of cold water would on a hot summer day.
But our selfish, sinful natures may hear this and think:
Yeah, who’s going to get ME that cup of cold water? Wouldn’t that be nice for a change!
And that “me-first” kind of thinking is what sabotages marriages and makes Christians fruitless and robs people of joy.
Look at this gem of a proverb:
Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered (Proverbs 11:25).
Feeling a little dry?
You don’t need to be watered, you need to water—that’s how it works in God’s Kingdom.
Refreshment for your soul and future reward is only one good deed away.
And fortunately for you and me, there are opportunities at every turn for us to get that cup of cold water into the hands… of Jesus, our Lord.
