Monday, November 11, 2013

What is your greatest difficulty?

  

      If someone asked you, "What is your greatest difficulty?", what would your reply be? Several thoughts might come to my mind such as being away from family and friends, moments of singleness, knowing how to minister to people, and the list might go on. Why the question?
       My sister-in-law Christen and I had the opportunity of visiting a slum area of town with a pastor's wife from a Baptist church in the area. As we walked into the area, we could smell the sewer near by and see trash lying all around. The houses we visited were barely put together. Amazingly, we were well received in all the homes we visited. Following introducing ourselves, we made a survey asking several questions about the family and ending with the question, "What is your greatest difficulty or need today?"



       Almost all the answers were answered with a smile and, "Oh, nothing, we are just fine." If they asked for anything, it was a food basket. My heart was taken back by this reply. Here were these familes who obviously had very little and could have said so much more. These people are just happy to have their own homes regardless of the condition, smells in the area, or location. 

     
       It saddens me to think how quickly I complain about the littlest of things. If I stop to really think about it, I have everything I need since I am in Christ. These people do have a great need still and that is the GOSPEL! Thankfully, our church Redemption Baptist has the opportunity to join in with Hope Baptist Church on this project of "Adopt A Child or Family" for Christmas. Hopefully, we will be able to give some of the children of this area a nice Christmas gift and possibly some food baskets to families in need. Most importantly, on the day we present the gifts and food baskets, Hope Baptist Church plans on presenting the most important gift - the GOSPEL, the true message of what Christmas is all about.
        As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, may we not only thank God for all He has given us, but may our response be that of giving to someone else. Christ, not only thanked, but gave. Shouldn't that be a natural response from a grateful heart - giving - and not so people see us, but Christ through us?