Helpers

When we have the opportunity to help, we should do it.  Gal. 6:10 

When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers.  You will always find people who are helping.”   Fred Rogers

The recent fires in Australia have given new meaning to the word helpers.  The fires have burned over twenty four million acres, destroyed over 2000 homes, and killed over twenty five people.  When I see the news coverage of the outpouring of help and helpers that are coming to the aid of the Australian people, it reminds me of how we are all called to this ministry of helping in different ways.  We can’t all be on the front lines of a disaster, go on mission trips, or give millions of dollars, but we can all try to bless others through our efforts to help.  Martin Luther King, Jr. said, “Life’s most persistent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?'”

We are here to show the same love and compassion Jesus showed when it comes to helping others. When it comes to serving God, if it doesn’t cost you anything – it doesn’t count.  Jesus said if you help others, your return will be great, and the way you treat others is the way you will be treated in return.  

When looking for those who need help, it’s important to remember that we don’t expect them to reciprocate, that we encourage them, and that we make them feel special.

Sometimes people need to be strengthened; other times we need to be stretched.  Sometimes people need comfort, not correction; other times, we need correction not comfort.  Sometimes people need a handout; other times, we just need a hand up.  

Years ago during a graduation service at the church, Sam Halverson sang a song entitled Thank You For Giving to the Lord by Ray Boltz for the special music.  The words are beautiful, and it was a way of thanking the helpers such as small group leaders, teachers and parents, for all the ways they had been responsible for changing the lives of these graduates.  The words to the chorus say it all:  Thank you for giving to the Lord:  I am a life that was changed;  Thank you for giving to the Lord: I am so glad you gave.

As we reflect on how many helpers all of us have and have had along the road of life that have given of themselves so that we might grow,  accomplish our goals, and find wholeness and satisfaction, it is humbling.  Their sacrifice is why we are where we are today.  We never know how many lives might be changed if we take that first step toward being a helper.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.  Anne Frank