Be a Light to Those in Need   

Recently I found an old letter that had been sent to our church over thirty years ago from then President George H. W. Bush. It had to do with his emphasis at the time on what he referred to as “points of light.” He encouraged organizations and individuals to get involved in their communities to minister to the needs of others. This particular letter focused on the role churches have played over the years in helping people in need. It called on believers to rededicate themselves to such service.

As I read over this correspondence, I was reminded of how times have changed. It seems like the only letters or phone calls we receive from our leaders these days have to do with supporting their political campaigns. It would be nice for Presidents and other leaders to inspire us to do good for the sake of a better society rather than just encouraging us to do what would be good for their own personal political futures.

Long before former President Bush emphasized this idea of light and helping those in need, Jesus spoke about it to His followers. He told us that we are “the light of the world” (Matthew 5:14). And part of that shining influence we should have on our world has to do with ministering to those who are suffering or in need. Jesus not only set the example in helping people as He went about doing good, such as healing the sick, but He also taught the importance of our being involved in similar service. In the parable of the sheep and the goats, Jesus pictured the nations being divided up into two groups. One group would be commended for feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, showing hospitality to strangers, clothing the naked, and visiting those who were sick and in prison. He told those who compassionately ministered in those ways, “Inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me” (Matthew 25:40). On the other hand, He condemned those who failed to perform those duties for others. He said that “these will go away into everlasting punishment” (25:46).

Serving others and helping the needy is important. Such actions in themselves, along with any other good works we may do, are not what determines our relationship with God or where we are going to spend eternity. We are saved by grace through faith, not by works, including ministering to those who are in need. However, if we are trusting Jesus as our Savior, those types of good deeds should result from such a relationship. And the lack of such concern for those around us who are suffering and the failure to take action can be a sign that something isn’t what it should be in our walk with God. Our love for God will compel us to love others and to seek their welfare. The Bible makes it clear that love for God and love for others go hand-in-hand. I was impressed that in the letter from former President Bush this motivation of the love of God was acknowledged. It said, “We cannot measure the good that has sprung from the hearts of people whose love for God has moved them to help someone else.”

The Lord is still calling us to such action today. Out of love for Him and love for others, we need to open our eyes and our hearts to the physical and spiritual needs of people around us. Let’s rededicate ourselves to being points of light in our communities. We can make a difference in the lives of others both now and for eternity.