Jump IN
Jump In:
Good evening all. I just got home from my church’s kickoff for our summer VBS. We kicked it off with a fun food truck rally. We had several hundred people attend. The weather threatened, but we ended up with a beautiful afternoon and evening. It was great to see so many people again in 3D. The cool thing that happened was all the people after the event was over, jumping in to help. We had 7 people set up but had close to 2 dozen help tear down. No provocation, just started to help put away tables, chairs, tents and the sound system. It was amazing that what had taken hours to build was put away within 30 minutes. This is the servant heart that we need so much in our churches today. If everyone showed up to serve without coercion, we would be able to focus on our ministry so much more effectively!
Life is full of unexpected problems and needs, large and small. Pay attention to moments when God calls you to action, no matter how ordinary or extraordinary the situation may be. See “disruptions” as invitations to share Christ’s love. Write a note. Visit the sick or the grieving. Share a meal. Now the actions of the people helping today were not life changing for anyone. It was a very simple act of giving 30 minutes of their time to help put things away. It is a state of mind to jump in and help. The bible points out that our actions reflect our response to grace, our faith and our relationship to Christ. We should be willing and ready to jump in to help another no matter how small or big.
“O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6: 8)
“What good is it, dear brothers and sisters, if you say you have faith but don’t show it by your actions? Can that kind of faith save anyone? Suppose you see a brother or sister who has no food or clothing, and you say, “Good-bye and have a good day; stay warm and eat well” – but then you don’t give that person any food or clothing. What good does that do? So you see, faith by itself isn’t enough. Unless it produces good deeds, it is dead and useless.” (James 2: 14 – 17)
Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions. Our actions will show that we belong to the truth, so we will be confident when we stand before God.”
(1 John 3: 18)
Ideas for Action: Practice one of the actions listed in this week’s description: Write a note, visit someone who lives alone, and/or share a meal. Help out a friend, neighbor, or even a stranger in something simple. Hold a door open, pick something up, smile!
How can you jump in to help someone this week?