An Inclination To Serve

Read Proverbs 3

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it when it’s in your power to help them. If you can help your neighbor now, don’t say, “Come back tomorrow, and then I’ll help you.”

Proverbs 3:27-28

Have you ever met someone whose good intentions were just on the other side of a winning lottery ticket? You know, the kind of person who says, “If I just win this money or that sweepstakes, I’ll do all these wonderful things.”

We may all fantasize about what we would do with a million dollars, but God wants to use us to do wonderful things right now. We must remember that our Father’s heart overflows with love and compassion for the poor and hurting. As we walk more fully in his will, we should reach out to help those in need with whatever resources we already possess.

This proverb points out how easy it is to withhold help from others under the excuse that we need what we have in order to have even more to give in the future. Such an attitude actually betrays a tendency to never give at all. Remember, Jesus promised a reward to those who did good to others, for he likened it to doing good to him (Matthew 25:40).

A WORD FOR TODAY

Good intentions don’t count without action.

Today, Lord, show me someone who needs to be shown your love in a practical way, and use me to meet that person’s need.