This is a story about four people named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody. Maybe you've heard it? But have you ever taken it seriously? Ever looked in the mirror and asked yourself, "is this is a story about me?" Well let's read it again:
There was an important job to be done and Everybody was sure that Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody's job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn't do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody when Nobody did what Anybody could have.
If you stop to give this story a nanosecond of thought, you'll come up with all kinds of things that you know are your responsibility, but you are expecting someone else to do it. Or maybe you just think no one will notice that you aren't doing it. That sick neighbor who needs a visit? The kid in prison who hasn't received a letter in a year? Picking up the garbage someone threw on the street? Whose jobs are those?
In Acts 10:38 it says that Jesus went about doing good. Pretty simple. He went about doing good. So I don't think it's too big a leap to say that those of us who believe we are supposed to model ourselves after Christ, should try to do some good as we go about our day as well—no matter what our day consists of.
One learned teacher says we should consider helping anyone who has a need and has no way to meet the need. She says God will lead us to how and whom we are to help. It may be just a word of encouragement, or a smile, or forbearance. (Like when we are waiting in a line at the store and the new checker hasn't a clue what he is doing.)
We've all heard about tithing—and not much gets done without money, but let's assume we've all gotten the message on that front. Still, there remain, in this rich and powerful city, homeless children, hungry people, and families that are torn apart by violence, drug use and a vacuum of decline where the church once was able to hold communities to a higher standard.
If we are to be bond servants, we have a job to do. We are to serve. Both Moses and Jesus were described as servants. Our earthly titles mean nothing. N-O-T-H-I-N-G. To be first, we are to be last. UNITE INDY is working to serve and bridge the great divide between white and black and between rich and poor in Indianapolis. What a great joy it is to join those in the job that everybody thought should be done, but very few were doing.
What is your part in this? What a great city we would have if we all went about doing good. In 1 Samuel 16:7 it says "Man sees only the outward appearance, but God sees our hearts." What does your heart tell you to do today? Perhaps it is—in your normal routine—to go about doing good. Man will pay no attention, but God...wow. God who sees it all, will be filled with joy.
Peace,
Nancy
