Maybe you are old enough to remember the commercial that this title is taken from? It was funny, but if you are in that situation, it is definitely NOT funny! Life is like that, isn't it? Many times in our life we are brought to a point where we really have very little control over our circumstances. Without a helping hand, we just can't get up! That is one of the great blessings of being a child of God -- we can lean on Him and know that He "has the whole, wide world in His hands." He is our Helper and our Comforter. Help is on the way!
At the same time, Jesus has made it really clear that He wants all of his children to be a helper, to be a blessing to others in this hard old world. Remember that Jesus said: "Blessed are the merciful for they will be shown mercy" (Matthew 5:7). Today, in this chapter -- Psalm 41 -- I was struck with that same promise:
"Blessed is he who has regard for the weak;
the Lord delivers him in times of trouble.
The Lord will protect him and preserve his life" (v. 1)
Only in Jesus have we been taught to treat other people just like we would like for them to treat us. This principle of caring for others is a constant thread that weaves the Christian's life together. Because God loves us, we should love other people. God uses you and me to be His hands in this world. When we show that we care, in every way that we can, we show the love and compassion of God. On the other hand, when we look around at the selfishness and "me first" attitudes that most people have, we witness what happens in the world when Jesus and God are left out. It's not a pretty sight.
One day while in a foreign land I saw this contrast clearly demonstrated. I was walking up long, steep stairs leading from a subway station. I was hauling a few shopping bags and my legs were getting tired. In front of me I saw an old woman -- stooped and lame. She was struggling to drag a huge, heavy sack of potatoes up the stairs. People rushed by her rudely. Some people ran into her and gave her a dirty look because she was in the way, holding up traffic. No one offered to help. No one put themselves into her shoes and realized how hard it was for her to go on alone. There was no sign of mercy and no compassion in anyone there.
I was with a young man who is a sincere Christian. He saw what was happening and went over to help the old woman. He reached down and, with a smile, was about to pick up her bag of potatoes and carry it up the stairs for her. I will never forget the look on her face. I saw her suddenly transform from a weak, old woman into a furious, raging maniac! She was yelling her head off and pounding the young man with her fists! The problem was that she had absolutely no clue that someone might try to help her. It was inconceivable that a young man would care about her problem! Instead, she misjudged him completely because the concept of helping was beyond her. In the mind of this old woman, the young man was a thief who was trying to steal her precious potatoes! There was no alternative.
Such is life when people grow up without mercy or caring. It is a "dog-eat-dog" world -- and that is such a cold, sad state of mind and soul. Even in atheistic societies it is not unusual for people to take care of those they love, to help their own family and friends. What is totally strange is for a person to help someone they do not know at all. The ability to even notice that someone may need help -- that comes from the Lord. Our Jesus taught that true religion is to help the orphans and widows (people who cannot take care of themselves so well) and to live a pure life as much as we can. When there is no religion at all, mercy and care vanish.
When you and I give help to others we can be sure that we will receive help in return.That is God's promise. It is true that it is more blessed to give than to receive. But there comes a time when those who have been the "givers" will need care and help themselves. The circle of life is so that God supplies someone to help us after we have done all we can to help others. No one can be only a caretaker. Each of us will come to a time when we must also be on the receiving end. God supplies that help when we need it. He never leaves us with nothing and no one, as long as we are in His family. Jesus said:
"Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good deeds
and praise your Father in Heaven." (Matthew 5:16)
Loving hearts and serving hands -- that's what this life is all about! And I thank God for all the opportunities I have had to serve others. Now, as I am growing older, I am also thankful beyond words for His human "angels" who come to help me in things I can no longer do. Yes, dear family of God, we ARE blessed in Christ Jesus our Lord! Have you helped someone today? If not, do so! To God be the Glory!
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