We often have the debate among ourselves as to whether there is a difference between a meal being given to a hungry child by a follower of Jesus or by someone who has no thought of God at all.
Surely, to the hungry child, there is no difference. Certainly, all the faithful would join in celebrating that another of God's created ones has a full stomach. The difference, if there is one, would be in the heart and mind of the one who gives. The follower of Jesus gives with a strong realization that anything I may share is but a small sample of what I have first received.
There is another difference which I believe might be important. When I give, I intend to help. It is my intention to assist the other person. Sometimes, what I offer isn't actually helpful to them. I may offer a meal when they need a warm pair of socks. I may give them a cupcake only to later discover they have diabetes. My gift may encourage dependency (have you become familiar with the concept of "Toxic Charity"?) If any of this is true, and I begin to realize it to be true, I can very easily change my course. I am not upset or bothered when it is suggested that my offering might not be the thing which is needed or that it may not actually be helpful. My goal was to serve. I can choose a differing method to serve.
That which flows through me is pure, because it is offered to the other. That which I do is the right thing because I do it in the name of one who taught us to serve. I may stumble in my attempts to serve, but my heart is set on serving so a way will be found.
Serving others is one of the disciplines of Lent. Find ways to make it part of these next 39 days.
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