“Then these righteous ones will reply, ‘Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink?  Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing?  When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’

 “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters,  you were doing it to me!’ – Matthew 25:37-40

You know, every year during the holiday season it seems to me that people begin to exhibit great generosity of resources and spirit.  Maybe it’s the movement of the Holy Spirit, or maybe it’s just because we live in the south.  However, I rarely see someone in need during this time of year in which others refuse to help.

It leads me to consider these next two forms of worship.  To be honest, neither have ever “spoken” to me so much.  But I am beginning to understand how God uses people’s passions to draw them into deeper relationships with Him.  And I can see true worship just as easily in the eyes of Salvation Army workers as much as those that show up to church on Sunday mornings.

How about you?  Is the work of your hands an offering to God?  Is that how you feel closest to Him?

1.  Activists:  Activists serve a God of justice.  These Christians often view the church as a place to recharge their batteries so they can go back into the world to wage war against injustice.  They are filled with compassion, mercy and a call for global morality.  They feel closest to God in their service to their causes such as: the homeless, abused, and marginalized people.  We find many activists serving God’s children in dire situations such as global women’s rights, slavery, child prostitution, and genocide-ridden areas.

2.  Caregivers:  Caregivers serve God by serving others. They often claim to see Christ in the poor and needy, and their faith is built up by interacting with other people. Such Christians may have vibrant prayer lives, but it is not their primary means of worship and connection with God.  Instead, being the “hands and feet” of Christ is where they find their connection.   Whereas caring for others might wear many of us down, their caring for others provides a wellspring of life for caregivers.

Dearest Lord,

I thank You for those that choose lives of service as their offerings to You.  The gospel is truly spread through those that seek to know and worship You through their interactions with others.  I thank You for their witness to me, that my faith has to be more than just solitary prayer, but worship in action.  Please create a heart in me for Your people, and lead me to a life of joyful service in Your name.

In the name of Jesus I pray,

Amen

If you feel led to physically help those in need this Christmas season, you might consider volunteering through Liberty Crossings to work with the Salvation Army.  We are providing warehouse workers and bell ringers during this holiday season.  

For more information, contact our Missions Director, Beth Hagerty:  bkhagerty1@aol.com

or stop by the registration desk in the church lobby.