Gifts & Service Series

As I read this parable, there are 3 major points that stand out to me. The first is that what God is looking for is direct, personal involvement in service. Notice the types of service He commends: providing food for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, clothing for the naked, shelter for the homeless. Moreover, He commended those who visited the sick and the imprisoned. Nowhere do I see in this list of commendations making a donation to ADRA, or writing a cheque to a local charity, or throwing some change into a Salvation Army pot at Christmas. Nor do I see Him commending those who merely offered prayer on behalf of the needy. Now I’m not saying don’t make your donations; I’m not saying don’t offer your prayers. What I am saying – what the Word of God makes clear – is that our service must also involve direct contact with those in need.

A letter was once written to a Christian by a homeless person. It read as follows:

Dear Christian,

I was standing outside in the bitter cold the other day. You saw me without a coat, shivering in the cold, and you prayed that God would warm me up. I was hungry, and you reminded me that God provides our daily bread. I was looking for a place to stay, and you prayed that God would help me find a shelter.

I appreciate your prayers, and I appreciate your words of encouragement.

But I am still cold, I am still hungry, and I am still without a place to stay.

Someone I know once made the statement that God is not concerned just with how bruised your knees are from prayer, but also how bruised your feet are from service. The love of God is a love that calls to action – a direct, personal, hands-on experience in meeting the needs of others.

The second point we can glean from the parable is this: love-motivated service isn’t concerned about being recognised for the service rendered. Notice the response of the sheep in verses 38 & 39: When did we do these things? When did we help You? They are literally shocked that they have done anything of value in God’s eyes, and are shocked even moreso that they should be rewarded for it. The last thing on their minds was what was in it for them. Contrast this with those described in Matthew 7:22, who are listing before Jesus all of the great works they have done in His name. His answer to them, in verse 23: “I never knew you. Depart from me, you workers of iniquity.” Friends, let me make this clear: we can do all the right things; keep all the right commandments; do this and do that; serve here and serve there. We can do everything that we are expected to do. But if we are doing it for the recognition, either before men or before God – if we think that doing this or that will guarantee us a place in eternity – then we are going to be sorely disappointed when that day comes. Yes, God does expect His followers to obey; yes, He does expect His followers to serve others; but never –NEVER, EVER, EVER – is our service or our obedience about “earning” something.

In fact, the very term “gift” emphasises this point. The word gift comes from the Greek word charis, which literally means grace. What is grace? The underserved, unmerited gift of God’s favour. Undeserved; unmerited; in other words, something we cannot by any means earn in any way, shape, or form. If it could be earned, it would not be a gift, but a payment. To use a modern phrase, it would be considered an exchange of services, and salvation would be reduced to a cheap vending machine prize. It’s sad, but there are many today who believe that “being a good person” and “helping others” is enough to get you into the kingdom. Even among Christians, there is this mentality that obedience to God’s law is an automatic ticket to glory. Never forget, friends, God knows the heart. The moment you believe that your service or your obedience puts you in good with God, you’re on dangerous ground. The Bible teaches that the only way any of us can be made right with God is through the sacrifice of His Son, Jesus. And so, in our service, in our obedience, may we never look for what we can get out of it, but for what we can give – no strings attached.