Sit back. Take a moment. And really think. What would imaging God in our community look like? Ephesians 2:10 says, "We are God's workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do." As God's beautiful workmanship, each one of us has a calling to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Being the church is not only about loving others - although, loving others is the vital beginning. But being the church also envelopes the attitude and actions of caretakers. Miriam-Webster defines caretaker as one that gives physical or emotional care and support. In order to be the hands and feet of Jesus in endowing care and support to others, we must focus beyond ourselves and even beyond our own families. We must be intentional in truly seeing the needs of others, not just around the world, but also in our own community.
Several years ago, my husband, Darrell, and I were asked to establish a missions/outreach ministry for our homegroup. There was no job description and no instructions mind you, but we accepted the "challenge" and marched forward. Okay, perhaps not marching forward, but winging it as we went along. This "challenge" grew into a huge blessing! In the months and years to come, we have helped coordinate many projects with the always-willing and generous help of our homies! A few examples of this ministry have been providing Christmas gifts and general needs for the single-moms within our church body and providing meals for Big Weekend. We have helped with transportation, meals, and supplies for Whiz Kids, purchasing school supplies for Council Grove Elementary, a coat drive for the community, and cooking a meal we served to the Putnam City West football team. The opportunities around us have been and continue to be limitless!
Theodore Roosevelt said. "People don't care how much you know until they know you care." Jesus was the prime example of care. He not only shared the gospel to those who would listen, but He also fed crowds of hungry people, healed the sick, and performed numerous humble acts of service. We, the church, can make positive differences in the lives of our neighbors as we minister to the lost. All that is needed is a change of direction. We must remove the focus upon our own selves and willfully direct our eyes and hearts outward.
This act of outward focus involves intentionality: the purposeful act of caring through the display of that which we often take for granted. In the words of Leo Buscaglia, "Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around." You see, there are no grandiose or particular qualifications for helping our neighbor. The qualification is simply the focus. As we saw earlier in Ephesians 2:10, God had a purpose when He created us. And His purpose is for us to reflect Christ's character and goodness to all the world. His purpose is not a daunting task - Listen. Share. Care.
Meet the Author!
Kelly was born and raised in Bethany, OK. Once married, she and her husband, Darrell, moved to Colorado where they raised their three beautiful sons, Austin, Cory, and Taylor. After living in Colorado for over 30 years, Kelly and her family returned to OKC and to CRBC. Kelly's passions are helping others, studying the Bible, doing anything creative, beach trips and gorgeous sunsets, listening to her boys' laughter; coffee or lunch with friends, eating homemade cinnamon rolls, and having a little bit of chocolate everyday!