Serving Well

The Conflict

When you are exposed to someone else’s need, you have a choice – to respond or ignore. There are consequences either way. If you respond – you will make some kind of impact on the other person (positive or negative), you will be held accountable for your actions, and you will open yourself up to respond to more needs. If you ignore – you will have to figure out a way to go on living like you did before you were made aware of the need, you will be held accountable for your inaction, and you will try to protect yourself from those who are needy.

As Christians we are commanded to respond.

Anyone, then, who knows the good he ought to do and doesn’t do it, sins. (James 4:17)

But whoever has the world’s goods, and sees his brother in need, and closes his heart against him, how does the love of God abide in him? (1 John 3:17)

“For the poor will never cease to be in the land, therefore I command you saying, ‘You shall freely open your hand to your brother, to your needy and your poor in your land.’” (Deuteronomy 15:11)

Pressure.

At BigHouse, our hearts are stirred and broken by the needs of foster children. The more we know, the more helpless we feel to adequately meet their many physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. We will be the first to tell you we do not feel qualified to do what it takes to help them. There is a constant pressure to do more – for those we are already serving in some way, to minister in other ways; and for those we do not yet know, to find a way to reach them. We want to serve.

Fear.

Our pride constrains us from taking on tasks that do not look attainable. Our self-dependency blinds us to the all-sufficient provision of our Almighty God. We can be consumed by the worries of “What if?”s. What if we don’t have what it takes? What if this isn’t the right time? What if we pour our energy and resources into this and it fails? We want to succeed.

Urgency.

Foster care is a whirlwind. Here today, gone tomorrow. The longer they wait, the longer it will take to recover. The more homes they live in, the less likely they are to build meaningful attachments. The older they are, the closer they get to “aging out” and facing the world on their own.  Social workers, foster families, teachers, and caregivers all float in and out of their lives without much explanation. We want to stabilize.

The Remedy

Humility.

I will cry to God Most High, to God who accomplishes all things for me. (Psalm 57:2) We are dependent on God for our very life and breath, so surely we must depend on Him to do the work He’s called us to. It is foolish and sinful to try to do it on our own.

Faith.

I can do all things through Him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:13) We believe God’s Word, and He says that He hears the cry of the orphan, and that He knows what we need before we ask Him, and that He works all things together for good to those who love Him and are called according to His purpose.

Love.

[Love] bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never fails. (1 Corinthians 13:7-8) Love is not the giving of gifts, or clothes, or time. Rather, it is the motivator behind our every action. If we continue to run programs and host events and build relationships, but do not sincerely and sacrificially love the people we are doing it for, we are laboring in vain.

Our Prayer:

Father, thank You for holding the world in Your hands. Thank You for loving us and saving us from sin and death. Thank You for giving us life and purpose through Your Son, Jesus. Thank You for sending Your Helper, Your precious Holy Spirit, to guide and teach us. Thank You for giving us everything we need for life and godliness. Lord, the needs around us are great, but You are greater! Help us to obey Your commands to love You and love others with everything that we have. Forgive us for trying to do it on our own. Forgive us for ignoring the needy. Forgive us for being self-focused. Please use us to do your work. We give all that we have, and all that we are to You, for Your glory. In the victorious name of Christ Jesus we ask these things, amen.