Thursday - "Act Now!"

Have you ever driven by someone broken down on the side of the road? A mom...two children...miserable...with a flat tire. You drive by and make eye contact with the mother. Instantly you have a choice to make. Stop, help, and get sweaty....or drive right on by. Some will pass by this scene and feel nothing. They will go right on with their day and never think again about it. Then there is another category...the person who drives by, lowers their eyes, and feels guilty...but still doesn't help. The final group stops and helps.

Which one are you?

"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, NLT

Why delay helping those in need? The answer is usually very simple. It falls into one of these three categories: time, inconvenience, inability. If we don't perceive that we have time or that it will be "more trouble than it's worth" we won't do it. This passage today says that this is never a good enough excuse. If we can help them (as Christ-followers), we must make the time and try to help.

The third listed reason, inability, might sound like the way out. "Not knowing how" or "not having the skill set" sounds plausible right? Let's look back at our opening example...the lady with the tire. It would be very easy for me to say "I've never changed a tire before, so I'm off the hook!" Not so fast. I could stop and help her call someone....or see if she even has a spare tire in her car...or help her to calm down. Even if you can't solve the whole problem...try to get involved.

In a world where everybody is doing the opposite of this...swim upstream. If you find the opportunity to seize the day (and help others to do the same)....jump at it.

Write it down: Ask God to give you an opportunity to help someone in need today. Write down a name of someone who you already know that could use your help.

See you on Friday!
Pastor Brian