"True followers of Christ who really get it right, give themselves to people. Most importantly, they give themselves to pointing people to faith in Christ. That is the highest and best use of a human life..."
"...if you really belive in the redeeming and transforming power of God's presence in a person's life, then the single greatest gift you can give someone is a explanation of how to be rightly connected to Him."
It's easy for me to do good deeds most of the time. I like helping others. If you need a ride somewhere, help with a project, or someone to talk to, I'm there. But, often I don't take it further than that. People don't need more of my good deeds. They need connection with the God who loves them. If I fail to point them to God when they are hurting, am I really fulfilling my mission to help?
My Sunday school class has adopted a needy family. You can find out more by checking out my friend Kim's blog at http://www.missionlinc.com/missions. Bill Hybels' words are ringing in my head as I think about our work with this family. As a class, we've cleaned their house and yard, found tutors for the kids, worked on housing and utility issues, and many other missions of mercy.
I know we are sharing God's love by helping to meet their needs, but sometimes that stops short. We need to share God's message and love with them intentionally. Their spiritual needs are as deep as any need for warmth, love, attention, and financial resources. I'm praying that as the Holy Spirit gives us the opportunity, we will seize it and be willing to share God's good news with this family. I agree with Mr. Hybels: this would be the greatest gift we could give them.
