The Blessing of Serving
“THE GREATEST AMONG YOU SHALL BE YOUR SERVANT” (Matt. 23:11).
Though this is a generic picture, downloaded for this occasion, it simulates a band of believers in Auburn who came together Wednesday evening to serve a hot meal at a homeless shelter in town. Our names are not important, but our mission is.
Christians are not the only people who reach out to the marginalized. I’ve read of other faiths manning soup kitchens. Even non-believers, filled with compassion and humanitarian good-will, are active in this field. But our calling as followers of Jesus is to “do good” and “be zealous for good works.” And though this was His clear focus, I readily acknowledge that not everyone who calls themselves “Christian” shares that focus.
I was once asked by a man who lived near where we meet, “What do you do to serve or better the people in this neighborhood?” Though my answer was primarily about our spiritual service: prayer, bible study, or counselling, it started me reexamining my priorities.
To serve man is why Jesus came. To serve man is what it means to follow Him. We are steadily growing into our new reality.
Wednesday night we followed in the steps of several organizations that serve hot meals at the homeless shelter, Ray of Hope, on the north side of Auburn. There were just shy of 50 people who ate that night. We served them chili with homemade cornbread, diced pears, chips, homemade cupcakes, and a drink: milk, water, or Gatorade. A pack of chewing gum or mints was also available.
Clearly, this didn’t change anyone’s situation. But it was good to see smiling eyes (everyone was wearing a mask). It was good to bump fists or elbows in greeting and appreciation. It was good to exchange “thank you” and “glad to.” It was good to look a person square in the eyes and ask, “Would you like another bag of chips?” as I wandered among the tables. It was good to share the same kindness and respect that we daily receive from our God.
On some faces we saw joy or hope and even gratitude. Some expressed their gratitude. That was reward enough. On other faces we detected “made it through another day with a hot meal.” Even that blessed us.
We were blessed to give our time, resources, and compassion. We connected, if just briefly, to part of the human condition from which we are usually isolated and insulated. The life of Jesus reveals that much of His time was in this very connection. As He Himself said, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
We plan to do this again…regularly. Join us if you wish.
Yours for compassion,
Rod MacArthur
206.949.0325
rod_macarthur@comcast.net