THE LEAST OF THESE

We exhibit our thankfulness when we serve others--especially the least of these.  A grateful heart is demonstrated with the offering of ourselves--our time and our talents.

When you become a member of the Methodist Church (not to be confused with becoming a member of the family of God), you are asked this question-


Will you participate in the ministries of this church with your prayers, your presence, your gifts, your service, and your witness? 

Although I am no longer a "practicing Methodist" (cherish my Methodist friends), I love this promise!  It is a overt reminder of our need to actively announce to those surrounding us---who we are-by what we do.  How we spend our time and resources is directly correlated to what we deem important in our lives.  




Those hours I spend in the school and shelter tutoring bless me more than I help them.  As I invest time with these sweet children, it is a reflection of my thanks to God for their lives and the evidence of my knowledge of God's great love and care for the least of these.  Instead of reading yet another book or watching mindless entertainment, I pour myself into these young lives in confirmation of their great value.  The fact that I am not allowed to speak of God at school, unless asked, does not detract from God's ability to use my service as His witness.  They KNOW why I am there and Who I represent.




Those hours of services - especially at the shelter-also serve as a reminder of how blessed I am.  Living in a dorm setting with your children and your husband having to stay in another building is no picnic.  Yet- most face it with great grace and dignity.  They love their children---the circumstance of their homelessness is no indication of a lack of love.  I come home and eat what I want--while they eat what is prepared----I do not share common space with numerous other families--there are no limitations upon my personal freedoms.  It is NO bed of roses living in a shelter--that is why so many are on the street instead.

In every talent, in our intelligence, with our time---to freely give of your self for the sake of the least of these--is participating in Kingdom building.  An act of service is the visible evidence of our thanksgiving for all we that is lavished upon us.

Want to thank God for all those blessings?  Pass it on---do unto others--serve the least of these.


And let us not be weary in well-doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.
10 So then, as we have opportunity, let us work that which is good toward all men, and especially toward them that are of the household of the faith.
Galatians 6:9-10


12 comments

  1. OMG YES!!!! You hit the nail on the head with this one! So many people go to church and take up space in a pew but do nothing to help others. They would rather pretend that things aren't falling apart in their own back yard. Jesus leaves the 99 to go after the 1!! I LOVE this post!!!

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    1. Oh, Julie, there are many days I struggle with my own backyard! This act of obedience is God's overt reminder to me if how blessed I am!
      Blessings -

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  2. I did not know you visit schools and shelters to tutor to people. You are a real gift to others, Lulu, as well as to your family. You have much to be proud of.

    God bless.

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    1. My gift of my time and talents, Victor-perhaps more important than writing a check- and certainly blesses me much more. Never forget, Friend, I have feet of clay-& struggle a great deal with my own self centered grief .
      Blessings!

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    2. Your self-centered grief will heal with prayers. You have mine for a start.

      Oh ... I write cheques all right ... plenty of them ... I never bother to sign them so they're never cashed. They say it's the thought that counts ... right? Well, I thought and wrote a cheque. What else do you want?

      God bless.

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    3. I am running out of patience, Victor, it has been over four years!

      You always leave me with a laugh--
      Thank You!

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    4. I am running out of patience, Victor, it has been over four years!

      You always leave me with a laugh--
      Thank You!

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  3. yes, yes, to living out our faith in the ways God's calling us to, to be in community with others, to love well.

    thank you for this piece, Lulu ...

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    1. How could we not share all He has blessed us with, Linda!
      Blessings!

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  4. We all have our calling, don't we. Each of us who believe minister to the hungry, frightened, lost masses in our own quiet ways. What's really neat about giving oneself for others is that we always get that gift of love back 10 fold in some shape or form. Maybe not from that individual who was ministered to, but perhaps from others who are also ministering. It's a wonderful circle of love centered on God that makes the world a little nicer place. Thank you for your service for the Lord. When we serve others, we serve God. I pray that that one little act of love will sway someone to do better and give their lives to Jesus.
    Funny, hubby and I attended a Methodist church for many years. Didn't formally "join" but it was a nice place to socialize once a week. I made many friends there also.
    Hope your day is blessed. ~:)

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    1. Well said, Sparky! I grew up Methodist and my forebearers--both sides were all Methodist. They just got too liberal for me! Still love lots of Methodist--and most of my Methodist friends are not liberal at all!

      Blessings, Friend!

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    2. Well said, Sparky! I grew up Methodist and my forebearers--both sides were all Methodist. They just got too liberal for me! Still love lots of Methodist--and most of my Methodist friends are not liberal at all!

      Blessings, Friend!

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Your comments keep my writing and often cause me to think. A written form of a hug or a pat on the back and an occasional slap into reality---I treasure them all!