Why Bother?

Jesus tells us in Matthew 26:11 that we will always have the poor with us. The question is often asked, “If we will always have the poor, then why bother? Aren’t we just throwing our resources away trying to feed, dress, educate and comfort them?!”

Sometimes the same attitude is expressed regarding the non-believer. Why bother? I mean, once we “get it”, why can’t we just “keep it”? Why must we share our resources, love, caring concern, the good news, with those who are without?!

Purely and simply, Jesus informs us that we can have no part of Him unless we reach out to the least, lost and last. Jesus taught that our very salvation hinges upon our relationship with the poor. Remember His words, “Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me. And these will go away unto eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life.” (Matthew 25:45-46)

Do you remember the song “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers? Read (or sing) these words:

Sometimes in our lives we all have pain, we all have sorrow.
But if we are wise, we know that there’s always tomorrow.
Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend.
I’ll help you carry on; for it won’t be long till I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on.

Please swallow your pride, if I have things you need to borrow.
For no one can fill those of your needs that you don’t let show,
So just call on me brother when you need a hand.
We all need somebody to lean on.
I just might have a problem that you’d understand.
We all need somebody to lean on.

Lean on me when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend.
I’ll help you carry on; for it won’t be long till I’m gonna need
Somebody to lean on.

Jesus promises joy and love to those who reach out to the least, lost and last! That applies to everyone who goes on a short-term mission trip, as well as those who serve at MUST and the St. Philip community. It also applies to everyone who reaches out to those labeled as “illegal aliens.”

May we all come to know the deep, abiding love and joy of Jesus as we allow His brothers and sisters to lean on us. Why bother? So we can lean on Him when our time comes!

See you at the “Leaning Place,”
Randy Mickler
Senior Pastor