At times like this, look for the helpers

Despite what I most commonly write on these days, I would much rather write on positive things.  For instance, there are two sides to Christianity — by name only, because only one side represents the true Christ.

Wade Mullen has said, “People who control you using charm will later control using guilt.”  This pretty much sums up the motive of people who, in claiming they are Christian, defeat the purposes of God in their manipulating of people.

Even as we read that quote of Mullen’s, we may, if we’re truly Christ’s, hear the echo of the Spirit searching us, as we give ascent to the ancient prayer of Psalm 139:23-24:

“Search ME, O God, and know MY heart;
test ME and know MY anxious thoughts.
See if there is any offensive way in ME,
and lead me in the way everlasting.”
(CAPS for emphasis)

The truth of the matter is we’re all capable of manipulating people and situations.  But there’s a much better way.  It is the opposite way.  The prayer of Psalm 139:23-24 helps us identify when our motives are malevolent, and it helps us redirect our path.  From a spirit of control, we can switch to a spirit of service.

~

True Christianity is the antithesis of control.
And the antithesis of control is service.

The Christians any of us can trust are those who are the helpers.  Yet they do not do their help EVER for any reward or reason or reciprocation beyond doing it for Christ himself.  These are the true disciples and they arise in every crisis.

Look for them.  Look for the helpers.  They seek nothing in return, because Christ gives them ascent to their need, and one day they will receive their reward in FULL.

Those who are truly Christian are known by the fruit that they bear.  I know I stand the risk of being judged as harsh and hypocritical for taking aim at those only God can judge.  But mark my words, some will serve even in this crisis with a desire for self-gain.

But for now, our focus ought to be on finding and seeing the true helpers.

They are already doing their work in kind and unobtrusive ways.

They are not infecting people, but they may be ones risking their own health by serving and staying with those who are already sick.

They are helping the vulnerable prepare, they are preparing places for the sick to stay, they are serving the sick right now as we live and breathe.  By profession they are angels.  And by passion, there are those who are doing what they’re doing for free, and they would shout us down for suggesting they should be paid.

And, they are doing all this out of the spotlight.  Look for them.  And even though they do none of what they’re doing for a pat on the back, give them a smile, a wave, or a whispered “thank you.”

They don’t need it, but they sure do deserve it.

They know why they do what they do.  Even now they’re receiving the highest reward possible.

That reward is one sown all the way to eternity.