Do Unto Others

Hello readers (if you are there?)!
Long time no see... or type/read....

I know that it has been awhile and I apologize for that.  I could go into a long explanation of what has been going on in my personal life, but you probably wouldn't care to read that since this blog isn't technically my "diary", so I'll just stick with my apology and five straight into the post that has me logging in today after what seems like ages!


The topic I've chosen for today is serving and helping others.

Most of us have heard of the "Golden Rule", and if you haven't, it's basically "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you".

Some people have twisted it to say "do unto others as they do unto you" or my personal favorite "do unto others before they do unto you"

Some people are so afraid to lend a helping hand because they believe it may show a sign of weakness or that people may come to expect the help and take advantage of the hospitality given them.

But the truth is that when we deny someone the need they have, we may be denying ourselves a blessing that God is ready to pour out on us.

The Bible says in Matthew 10:42 (HCSB),
                "And whoever gives just a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple --I assure you: He will never lose his reward!"


And also in Hebrews 13:2 (HCSB),
               "Don't neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it."

You may be thing to yourself, "I do good to others, but nothing good ever happens to me."

Well, let me ask you 2 simple question then:

1) Are you serving with the right intentions?
and 
2) Are you serving with the right attitude?

If you said no to either question above, then there is the very reason. And if you don't know the right intentions and altitude to have while serving, let me explain.   

When we serve others we are not suppose to do it just so we can get something me want.  
When someone asks us to do them a favor, we are sometimes so quick to ask the famous question... "what's in it for me?"
Which in turn turns and service we may help them with into self service. While we may be doing something for someone, we are ultimately just doing it to benefit ourselves.
What would have happened to our eternal salvation had Jesus asked His Father, "What's in it for me?", when  the time came upon Him to die for our race?
Honestly, He is God and He can do whatever He wants, and there is NOTHING we could in our human power to pay Him back for what He did for us.
So in the same respect, we should be willing to help others who in their power can not repay us.
Which is what is said in Luke 6:34-35 (HCSB),
                "And if you lend to those from whom you expect to receive, what credit is that to you? Even sinners lend to sinners to be repaid in full. But love your enemies, do what is good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is gracious to the ungrateful and evil."
(And just on a side note... look at the last sentence of the verse above again.... just because they aren't grateful or they aren't the best person, that isn't a reason to be unloving and hardhearted)

And also, when we serve others we are to do so without complaints and without boasting 
1 Peter 4:9 (HCSB) says, 
            "Be hospitable to one another without complaining."
Pretty self-explanatory if you ask me....
And Matthew 6:2 (HCSB) warns us against boasting to others about our good deeds, 
             "So whenever you give to the poor, don’t sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and on the streets, to be applauded by people. I assure you: They’ve got their reward!"
(And just from the context, I don't think the reward mentioned is a very good one..... FYI, just saying!)

 So, I guess what is all boils down to is just being humble and willing to move when God says move. 
You never  know 100% what another human being is going through, but God does. 
You never know which strangers on the street are searching fora hand to hold.
You never know who is on the edge and needs to be shown the love of a Savior. 
You never know if what you have to say and/or do can be the exact thing someone needs to hear and/or see to either turn back to Christ or accept Him into their life for the very first time. 
And when we take a step back and realize that everything we say and do has a consequence (good of bad), then we realize just how important our actions, attitudes, and words are. 
  
God could do it all Himself if He wanted to, but He chooses to use us instead. He chooses to use us to help bring His will about.  
And if you ask me, to be used by God is reward enough. 

Live...Laugh...Love...SERVE
Until Next Times, 
Racheal <3