I’ve recently been convicted about inconveniencing my life for the sake of others. I know what some of you are thinking...yes, I work for Friends of Refugees.No, I don't get paid very much. Yes, we give rides to kids even though it adds at least an extra hour (or 2) to program times. Yes, I spent 2 days making four pans of food for Friendsgiving. But remember, our job is to serve. And while you know how much I love what I get to do every day, after I hit 40 hours it can be hard to keep serving. When I get a call to run an errand for a friend on my day off, when I pass someone I know is in need, when I dread working on Saturdays because I just want to sit at home and finish Gilmore Girls…that’s when I have to check myself. We don't get to clock in and out of representing Christ.
Jesus scolded his disciples many times for not understanding this exact topic. When individuals asked for special favors and healings on the spot while Jesus was on his way to a scheduled event, the disciples would try to shoo people away. But Jesus never did. He always made time. He might have been hungry or wanting a nap, but he would be there and do something. Even when you think about Jesus praying the garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-46), he asked the disciples to stay awake and pray…even though they had just had a huge meal and were really tired. He begged them. He woke the up and all he wanted was for them to be awake. And they couldn’t do it. I think about how many times that’s me. I know what I’m being asked, but I just don’t want to. I feel tired or maxed out.
I’m on a mission for the youth of Clarkston…but that doesn’t mean I get to exclude their parents, my neighbors, or the stranger I pass on the street.
I’m on a mission for the youth of Clarkston…but that doesn’t mean I get to exclude their parents, my neighbors, or the stranger I pass on the street.
As I sit and reflect on this recent life lesson in respect to the current advent season, I find myself with the perfect opportunity to practice living inconveniently for others. I invite you to join me as I consider saying "yes" more often than I say "no." As we are preparing for the celebration of the birth of our Savior, there's not a better way to get your heart in the right place than opening it up for others.
Jesus Heals a Paralytic
On one of those days, as he was teaching, Pharisees and teachers of the law were sitting there, who had come from every village of Galilee and Judea and from Jerusalem. And the power of the Lord was with him to heal. And behold, some men were bringing on a bed a man who was paralyzed, and they were seeking to bring him in and lay him before Jesus, but finding no way to bring him in, because of the crowd, they went up on the roof and let him down with his bed through the tiles into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said, “Man, your sins are forgiven you.” And the scribes and the Pharisees began to question, saying, “Who is this who speaks blasphemies? Who can forgive sins but God alone?” When Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answered them, “Why do you question in your hearts? Which is easier, to say, ‘Your sins are forgiven you,’ or to say, ‘Rise and walk’? But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the man who was paralyzed—“I say to you, rise, pick up your bed and go home.” And immediately he rose up before them and picked up what he had been lying on and went home, glorifying God. And amazement seized them all, and they glorified God and were filled with awe, saying, “We have seen extraordinary things today.”
Luke 5:17-26Be willing to let your plans change to help someone else. Be willing to carry your friend and lower them in from the roof. Be glad for inconveniences.
