Imagine a group of church folks returning from delivering meals to a few needy families during the holidays. The conversation might have sounded a lot like this.
"Isn't it a wonderful feeling to know that we have given some family the joy of a great Thanksgiving meal? Did you see the smiles on their faces when we walked in with all that food! It does my heart good to know that this family will go to bed tonight with stomachs that are full and satisfied...and there'll even be enough left over for tomorrow. We did a good thing today, didn't we?"
Yes, you did a good thing "today." Their hunger will be satisfied, and the fact that today someone thought of them will bring some additional comfort. But when the leftovers are gone and the holiday is done, who will be there to encourage them. When our lives return to normal, and the caring spirit of the season hides itself in daily routine, who will deliver the life-giving bread to those in need? Every day God gives us the opportunity to share His great love. More people are starving spiritually than physically, and we, as Christians have the responsibility to deliver to them the Bread of Life through the water of His Word.
Don't ever stop caring for the physical needs of others. Keep bringing the meat and potatoes to the table. It shows God's love working through you. And, everyday proclaim to the spiritually hungry how they can be fed with a love that never leaves them empty and nourished with living water that flows from a never-ending Fountain. Have a blessed holiday season, and don't forget to give thanks.
