Monday, September 5, 2022
The Cost of Investing – Nah, I’m Good
September 5, 2022/in Week 5, Bible Study
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It was so nice to have Pastor Shawn Bellner from the Whitehouse campus speak this week. He challenged us to pray at work for God to show us someone we can help. What a wonderful concept!
I understand the inner battles though. I get busy at work, there are constant interruptions, and then one more person walks through the door needing something. Yes, I really could help, but instead, I say, “Nah, I’m good,” and send them on to look for help elsewhere.
After all, wouldn’t helping someone else take time away from my own responsibilities? Am I willing to pay the cost of spending what little I have on someone else? What’s in it for me?
Selfish and self-centered is often our way. God’s way is to go out of our way.
Putting others’ needs above our own always comes with a cost, but think of it as an opportunity to join God in the work he’s doing. In Luke 10, we learn of a Jewish man who had been attacked and left for dead.
Luke 10:30
Jesus replied with a story: “A Jewish man was traveling from Jerusalem down to Jericho, and he was attacked by bandits. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him up, and left him half dead beside the road.”
If you had been traveling that day and came upon the man, what would you have done? Would you have helped or looked the other way? Would it take more energy to love or to hate?
God gives his commands out of love. He asks us to go out of our way, and when we do, the reward is so much greater.
Leviticus 19:18
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against a fellow Israelite, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.”
We teach our children not to bully, to stand with a friend against bullies—not because it’s the easy thing to do, but because it’s the right thing to do. It’s God’s way of doing things. We should go out of our way to do the same.
Leviticus 19:16b
“Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. I am the Lord.”
Questions:
Where are the everyday, ordinary opportunities for you to make a difference in someone else’s life? Can you name at least three?
Next Steps:
Get to work a little early this week and take time to pray for God to bring you someone who needs your help.
Prayer:
Dear Lord, thank you for taking time for me today. Help me to see that person who needs to know I care. Remind me that the people who need my help are opportunities to reflect the love you have for me, not interruptions. It may not be convenient, and it may cost me, but I know it’s a good investment. In Jesus’ name, amen.