Nov
24
Written by:
Felicia Fox
11/24/2009 1:52 PM
One of my favorite passages in the Bible is Matthew 25. As I read it, I’m always drawn to the parable of the Sheep and Goats. If you need a refresher in what it says, click here. I have read those verses a million times. I thought I was doing well on following the words of Christ. I try to treat everyone I meet well. I even go out of my way to help the people you often see with cardboard signs begging for money. I almost always turn around and take them a fast food meal. I thought I was doing a fine job of living up to the parable of the Sheep and Goats.
That was until I read this paraphrase from The Hole in our Gospel by Richard Sterns. "For I was hungry, while you had all you needed. I was thirsty, but you drank bottled water. I was a stranger, and you wanted me deported. I needed clothes, but you needed more clothes. I was sick, and you pointed out the behaviors that led to my sickness. I was in prison, and you said I was getting what I deserved." Those words hit me hard and I hope they do the same to you.
I pat myself on the back for being a good person and treating others well. These words made me realize how wasteful and self centered my life really is. I only help those I see as poor when they are right in my face, like those holding cardboard signs on the side of the road. I don’t really take time to think about how the way I live my life impacts the poor and hurting of the world.
I’m thankful I am able to afford all the food I need or want, bottled water, and more clothes then I need. This Thanksgiving season, I’m praying that God will help me to examine the many blessings I have and determine how I can cut back to give more, love more, and help more the hurt and poor in the world. Will you join me in that prayer?