Social Services

Social Services

God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. 2 Corinthians 9:8

When I was growing up in Plantersville, Alabama, our doors were never locked. In fact, the only door that was ever closed was the screen door, and that was only to keep out the flies.

Screen doors really aren’t doors at all. They are invitations to come inside, especially if the smell of freshly baked bread or apple pie is wafting from within. In Plantersville, everyone shared what they had with anyone who in need or who came by. There always seemed to be plenty, and no one was left out.

This was back before government programs were enlisted to take care of the poor and needy. We were taught to help others because that’s just what folks did back then. We helped others and knew they would help us. When a family suffered a tragedy, neighbors near and far fixed meals to feed the family for weeks, months, or however long it took them to get back on their feet.

If a house burned down or a barn was demolished in a storm, the men in town gathered with whatever materials and supplies they had to help rebuild. This was simply our way of life.

But times have changed. Social programs have replaced social neighbors. Doors are no longer open; they are closed and locked to protect the material goods that people have amassed. And even that isn’t enough to protect our stuff. Now, we install alarms and cameras to keep thieves and the needy away. Our world seems less interested in sharing our stuff and more interested in sharing our opinions on social media.

We used to depend on God to supply all our needs. Today’s verse says that he will provide so generously that we will always have more than enough to share with others. But, somehow, we’ve left that promise behind a locked door. Perhaps we’ve left God behind too.

We need to remember that God doesn’t want—or need—to be locked up and protected. He beckons us from the screen door with a pie in the oven. His invitation is always open for all who care to enter.

TODAY’S RX

Open hands lead to open hearts. The more we share, the better our world will be.

God, help me to have more of a servant’s heart and provide for those in need. You are glorified in these kind acts, and I desire to reflect your loving nature.