Your Job as a Stranger

In Matthew 25 Jesus lists 6 types of people, the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick and those in prison. We are obligated to love them if we are going to heaven with him.

Lets get practical, If we are going live like strangers in this world. We have to come to 3 realizations. Ask yourself this, what are you about? Lets not create a moment, but a lifestyle.
You have to come to 3 realizations.

#1. We think that those that have, have because of what they do. After all, you go to work and if you advance its because you work hard.
Those that have money. Imagine they have money because they are wise stewards. Those that have nice houses. Put hard work into them.
And there is enough truth to allow you to live in that mirage for the rest of your life. But here’s the truth. You have what you have because of when and where you where born. And you have nothing to do with that. I would guess that 90% is because you had good parents. And you were born in an extraordinary time and place. You can’t brag about that.
You can’t say that what you have is primarily because of your good effort. Its because of a gift form God. And if you begin to understand that, that its not from what you earned, but a gift that which you are a steward. It will change the way you handle it. It becomes an opportunity to you, to reach out to other people.

#2. Those who have not, have not, not because of their choices, but because of the hand they’ve been dealt. Now I’m going be the last person to take away personally responsibility from an individual. You have to take responsibility for your actions. In till you live up to your choices you will never conquer your addictions.
But I also know this, and I’ve said it before… Most of the time when I judge someone its because I don’t know their story. And people, who are unlovely, are not unlovely because they are unlovable, but because they are unloved…Benevolence is worth it!

God’s perfection in the hungry, thirsty, strangers, naked, sick and those in prison is shown in and through love. Our job as strangers in this world, as God’s children, is to show His love and bring glory to His name in everything that we do.

Who can you show a little extra love to this week?