August 26: Insight Post by Rusty Coram
Wednesday Insight Post
by Rusty Coram
In preparation for one of the weekends I am teaching during our At The Movies series at New Hope, I watched Project Hail Mary. What surprised me about the movie was the picture of how friendship can be built when there is initially very little in common. Among the things that stood out was the essential element of serving - meeting another’s needs without requiring something in return. I wonder how much our acts of service fall into the category of “mercenary serving,” where my acts of kindness are designed to get me credit and attention more than to care for another selflessly, regardless of what I get in return. For followers of Jesus, He is our model. Everything He did was to bring honor and attention to His Father. “In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.” Matthew 5:16 (NLT)
I need to stay aware that my primary audience isn’t the person I am serving or the crowd that may see me doing it. The one who should matter most, the one whose opinion should be my top priority, is my God and Savior. Is He pleased with my choice and my attitude? If so, then whether I am shown gratitude or appreciation is a minor concern. A verse we looked at in this month’s reading is a great reminder: “34Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. 35For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. 36I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.’ 37“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? 38Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? 39When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40“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 25:34–40 (NLT)
Rusty Coram
Senior Pastor