The Least of These

Two mornings a week I (Gloria) have the privilege of serving some very special ladies, babies and children that have recently changed my life. Some might call this reaching out to the poor. And although they are needy materially, I've realized their greatest need is Jesus.  This is the first chance I've had to work so personally with the “least of these.”

The Least of These: We might wonder who he is referring to when Jesus says, “the least of these brothers of mine.” Who do you think would be “the least”? You might say it’s the poor, the homeless person who is living on the street or under a bridge, it might be the person who is living on the fringe of society, or the person who is ostracized from society because of crimes they have done, people who can’t take care of themselves because of drug problems. It could be the pregnant teenager that has been rejected by her family. 

                       

As I started thinking about this term, “the least of these,” the Lord started speaking to me. He reminded me that my service is ultimately not to the poor, but to Christ Himself. The picture that comes to mind is me washing Jesus’ feet as a symbol of servanthood.  My heart would be so full of humility, gratefulness, and ultimate joy. This is the attitude I should carry as I serve the “least of these.”

When it comes to serving the “least of these” money becomes a challenge. Money isn't everything! Too often people think that giving money is the only way to help a person in need. How thrilling to see a story where money is not the most important thing. There are so many times I am faced with wanting to help my clients pay their rent, electric or water bill. And there are times when my clients comment that neither she nor her children have little to eat. 

So often the verse God gives me is the following,

 “Silver or Gold I do not have, but what I have I give you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, walk… It is Jesus’ name and the faith that comes through him that has given this complete healing to him” (Acts 3:6,16 NIV)

I may not have all the money in the world so what do I have to give? The greatest gift in the world! Jesus Christ.

A wise woman who was traveling in the mountains found a precious stone in a stream. The next day she met another traveler who was hungry, and the wise woman opened her bag to share her food. The hungry traveler saw the precious stone and asked the woman to give it to him. She did so without hesitation.

The traveler left, rejoicing in his good fortune. He knew the stone was worth enough to give him security for the rest of his life. But a few days later he came back to return the stone to the wise woman. “I've been thinking,” he said, “I know how valuable the stone is, but I give it back in the hope that you can give me something even more precious: Give me what you have within you that enabled you to give me the stone.” (Author Unknown).