Do you see a need?

The world is a place of many interactions and that could determine our impact on others. Each day presents us with a chance to meet our needs and those of our loved ones.  We can choose to see beyond ourselves, and become part of a story in someone else’s chapter; as a character who adds a particular flair. Sadly, we tend to look for our material benefit as a gauge on whether we can help others, or the accolades we might receive. There’s no telling if our good deeds will get us some fame, awards, or benefit us directly. When there’s a need, glory should be of no relevance. 

“A giving heart acts in concert with God’s kindness.”

“Take heed that you do not do your charitable deeds before men, to be seen by them. Otherwise you have no reward from your Father in heaven. ² Therefore, when you do a charitable deed, do not sound a trumpet before you as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may have glory from men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. ³ But when you do a charitable deed, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, ⁴ that your charitable deed may be in secret; and your Father who sees in secret will Himself reward you openly ( Matthew 6).

These are Christ’s own Words. When the Lord speaks there’s a lot of wisdom to be mulled over. We are to consider carefully how we give to those in need, by checking first our motives. A giving heart acts in concert with God’s kindness. 

Those who give with a good conscience, are aware that The Father sees their heart, more than the deed. They express what God desires for those in need. By doing God’s will on Earth as it is in Heaven, they will therefore be rewarded by God. They take their instructions from the headquarters above, and not from man; with no pressure to please man. Since, spiritual things are hidden things, they must be honored as such. The works of the Kingdom should not be degraded by self glorification.

“As long as there’s a need, help is needed.”

⁵ Who then is Paul, and who is Apollos, but ministers through whom you believed, as the Lord gave to each one? ⁶ I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the increase. ⁷ So then neither he who plants is anything, nor he who waters, but God who gives the increase. ⁸ Now he who plants and he who waters are one, and each one will receive his own reward according to his own labor. ⁹ For we are God’s fellow workers; you are God’s field, you are God’s building (1 Corinthians 3).

Giving doesn’t just have to be tangible things. We can avail ourselves by offering a helping hand. Every good cause was an idea by someone, but it needs to move from being an idea to an action. Man isn’t an island. Goals can be achieved more efficiently, by enlisting the help of others. As long as there’s a need, help is needed. There’s no need to compete or take scores, or feel as if asking for help would rob one of the glory, as the inventor of the idea. Many hands make light work, and all have equal importance, in order to achieve a common outcome. 

We are God’s fellow workers―we are God’s instruments or tools, in His Hands to get things done. We can appreciate the acumen, skills, and values others’ bring into the team; to be more effective, by learning from each other. Each one’s attitude and determination will be their reward, without trying to outshine others.

“Help is an inconvenience that brings relief to another.”

Now Amalek came and fought with Israel in Rephidim. ⁹ And Moses said to Joshua, “Choose us some men and go out, fight with Amalek. Tomorrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in my hand.” ¹⁰ So Joshua did as Moses said to him, and fought with Amalek. And Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. ¹¹ And so it was, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed; and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. ¹² But Moses’ hands became heavy; so they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. And Aaron and Hur supported his hands, one on one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. ¹³ So Joshua defeated Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword (Exodus:17).

How long are we willing to help others who are fighting for their lives, before we give up? Some situations that people are faced with need a lot of support from others. There are some battles that can’t be fought alone; they are exhausting, and emotionally draining. Having prayed and lifted up our hands to God, we may feel like we have lost the energy or faith to continue praying. This is where godly relationships come in; to help carry burdens on our behalf to God, in prayer, until we all see God bring things to pass. 

Sometimes we may be saddled with so many tasks to complete in one day. Those who are willing to take on one task to ease our load a little, will enable us to make it to the end of the day. Lighten another’s load, though it may cost you time or money. Help is an inconvenience that brings relief to another. 

⁹ And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. ¹⁰ Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith (Galatians 6).

“We are God-sent helpers to lighten a burden and help win battles.”

Let us do good to all and not lose steam, while we do. We may think, “Well, I don’t get so much as a ‘Thank you’.” Scripture tells us that no labor is in vain. The workman will receive according to his or her work. There will be harvest whether in this life or eternity. By doing good, we may not receive gratitude, but as was said earlier, by our Lord “The Father Who sees in secret, will reward you.” Rewards may come in different forms; tangible or spiritual gains. Have you learned by your giving, to be thankful, content, or less closefisted? Good. That’s a value no money can buy. 

As we draw a breath, every day is an opportunity to see a need, and act. We don’t have to wait for big needs. Every little act of kindness, is a treasure set aside for us as a reward in Heaven. We don’t have to be the inventors of good gestures, nor do we have to be concerned about others noticing. Don’t pass up the opportunity for pettiness. We are God-sent helpers to lighten a burden and help win battles.

¹⁷ Those who built on the wall, and those who carried burdens, loaded themselves so that with one hand they worked at construction, and with the other held a weapon. ¹⁸ Every one of the builders had his sword girded at his side as he built. And the one who sounded the trumpet was beside me (Nehemiah 4).