Sermon Snippet – How Much Do We Really Care about Others?
INTRODUCTION – It is easy to say that we care about others, but the proof is in our service. For example, politicians speak of their public service while drawing large salaries, using their insider status to grow wealthy through investments, and making the lives of working people much more difficult through their policies. Good service in places of business is prompted by the profit motive, which is necessary for a business to survive but is not the model for the Christian. Let us consider a bit of what the Bible teaches us on this subject.
1. OUR CARE FOR OTHERS MUST SERVE THEIR SPIRITUAL NEEDS
Isaiah 61:6 speaks of a time when the nation of Israel will fulfill its calling to be “a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6). This calling is extended to non-Jewish people in Isaiah 56:6-8. The word “serve” is used often in the Old Testament of the functions of the priests; this usage is crucial to understanding our Lord’s expectations for us, as we find in I Peter 2:9-10. As one Biblical scholar put it, “Biblical service is far more concerned about taking care of souls than about taking care of business.” If a church or an individual Christian does not place the spiritual needs of others in the forefront, then God’s expressed desires are not being followed.
2. OUR CARE FOR OTHERS MUST SERVE AS GOD DOES
Some of God’s attributes (more accurately called His perfections) are incommunicable to some degree (such as love). Certainly we are to exercise His justice and mercy. Specific examples include Psalm 9:7-9, Psalm 12:5, and Psalm 68:5-6. Such service is holy (see Psalm 103:21 and 104:4). The New Testament teaching is, of course, consistent with these Old Testament references. Matthew 18:21-35 is an extended exposition of God’s expectations; the example of the “wicked servant” (verse 32) is sobering. Verse 33 delivers the key message: “Shouldst not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow servant, even as I had pity on you?”
3. OUR CARE FOR OTHERS MUST SERVE AS GOD KINDLY COMMANDS
Colossians 3:5-17 is a detailed passage about both negative and positive behaviors. Note especially verse 12: “Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering.” The fact that these things are commanded of us tells us that having a genuine concern for the spiritual welfare of others (“bowels of mercies”) does not come easily and naturally. We must “put on” what God makes readily available to us.
CONCLUSION – Matthew 25:31-46 tells us that we need to help feed the hungry, provide water, welcome strangers, furnish clothing, and visit the sick and the institutionalized. This kind of care is service to Jesus, our Savior (verses 40, 45). We must not lose sight of the context and the clincher: verse 46 makes it clear that the eternal destination of each individual is what matters most; it is the human soul that must always be ministered to. Each one of us needs Jesus as Savior to enter into everlasting life in heaven. If you have never asked Jesus for His salvation, please ask Him right now – He will save you “into life eternal.” Then, together, may we serve others not only with the general attitude of mercy but also with specific actions of mercy, especially in sharing the Gospel message. Let us take care of souls.