Have you ever wondered what Jesus was talking about in Matthew
25:40, when He said, "inasmuch as you did it to one of the least
of these My brethren, you did it to Me"? In the past I have had a tendency to misinterpret that passage.
I've had a tendency to think of those in the deepest poverty, and
little defenseless children when thinking about the "least of
these". But that's not the whole point...MORE is
involved. You see, God is no respecter of persons. He doesn't look
down from His lofty abode above and see what people are wearing. He
isn't concerned with the titles, degrees, or certifications a person
may possess. And on the other hand, His love doesn't just target the
financially needy, or the down-n-outers of society! On the
contrary...the Lord looks at hearts! Matthew 25:31-46 is a heart
issue revelation! How we treat one another (the least of these) on a
daily basis is a revelation of our heart condition. And our heart
condition is in direct relation to the depth of our FAITH! If we are
trusting in Jesus...HE being our ONLY TRUE SOURCE...and not relying
upon the things of this world to satisfy us...we will be less
inwardly focused. We purposely will be focused on others. Our desires will be
complimentary, and even empowering in regards to others...especially
the LEAST of THESE! Jesus went about doing good while He was on
earth. He healed the sick. He made the blind to see. He caused the
lame to walk again. He raised the dead, and set people free from
demonic possession. He did it all out of one
motivation...LOVE...UNCONDITIONAL LOVE. If you're struggling today
with loving others...and you don't seem to be feeding the hungry,
clothing the naked, and ministering to the needs of incarcerated
strangers...take a moment and read Romans 12:1-2. "I beseech
you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that you present
your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God, which is
your reasonable service. And do not be conformed to this world, but
be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what
is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God". Meditate
on this...pray about it. Are you living the life that Jesus modeled
for us? Are you laying down your life on a daily basis for others
regardless of their appreciation? Is your mind the mind of Christ?
If not...be encouraged! God uses our weakness to reveal His perfect
strength! Even though we fall short. Even though we often feel
frustrated...we must not give up! He tells us to not grow weary in
well doing...we must keep seeking to please and honor Him. Simply
put, God is asking us to notice. He is asking us to see through eyes
opened by His Spirit. He wants our focus to pinpoint on Him, and we
do that better by pinpointing our focus on others! As Christ followers, we
have a mission in life. We are to love the Lord our God with all our
heart, soul, mind, and strength. And, we are to love our neighbors
as ourselves. In reality, that is often not an easy task. We try,
but many times fall short. So, how DO we know and accomplish the
good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God?! By the renewing of
our minds! In a world so intent on gaining our affection, we must
daily renew our minds. We must learn to go to the Word, like we go
to the kitchen for food! We need to open our hearts to the TRUTH, so
we can more effectively stave off the attacks and lies of the world!
When our actions are prefaced with the WORD, the least will know it.
When our motivation is unconditional love, the least will be
impacted by it. When who we are, is defined by who JESUS is...the
things we say and do for the least of these will be registered,
certified, and validated in Heaven...because, "inasmuch as you
did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to
Me". Until next time, may God's BEST be your's!
Your
Brother in Ministry,
Greg McCowen
Covenant Life Fellowship - Lubbock
Church - (806) 771-4244
