35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:35-40
As followers of Jesus we know we are called to serve one another. But it is one thing to read that in the scriptures and a whole other thing to live it out. Earlier this month I had the extreme honor to spend 8 days in India visiting various villages in the state of Andrha Predesh. These beautiful people made these scriptures come alive to me. We had the neat experience of staying with a host family inside their homes. Their attitude of service was both inspiring but also convicting. They served us our meals and stood at attention should we need anything else. We couldn't so much as lift a finger to pull up a chair without them hopping up to do it for us. They sacrificed the small amount of food and resources they had so that we might have the best. They gave up their own beds and slept outside in the heat and even in the rain so that we might be comfortable. And they would not take no for an answer on these things but only continued to tell us that it was their honor to serve us. These people love and serve Jesus with a pure passion, unwavering, and whole hearted. And they gather to learn about Jesus with zealous fervor. It was an exciting blessing to see the revival taking place in this area of India!
But what was so convicting is this- how many times have we felt burdened by having company? Knowing we are going to have to do extra cleaning or stock up on extra groceries, or even just having our personal space or alone time intruded upon? How many of us look at the clock secretly hoping our guests will leave soon? But these people reminded me that loving one another is loving Jesus. Open arms and open homes, nothing held back but everything offered to the Lord… it was an incredible reminder of what living in community with fellow believers is supposed to be.
When visiting those living in the villages we learned how they came in from miles and miles to gather for worship and to hear the word of God. No matter the weather. No matter the distance. No matter if they are put out of their community or their own family turns away from them, they are hungry for God and nothing stops them from serving him. No matter any cost. The smiles on those faces springs from a heart of pure joy and peace that only Jesus can give. Even those living in shacks without electricity or running water, nothing deters their joy because their life is not based on materialistic things but only on Jesus. If Jesus truly was the center of our lives and nothing could make us waver on that, how much less often might we complain about the traffic, our coworkers, errands we must run, our bills???? So many lessons could be taken from these people who truly take every scripture to heart.
I pray I keep this attitude in my mind and heart as I embark on the World Race. This team of Christ followers taking this journey with me and the believers we will be working with are truly my family, we are all family as the body of Christ. We are his feet, his hands, and we should reflect his heart in the way we serve and love one another. To actually function as his body in service and love to one another is truly a beautiful thing!
