It was an average day--not too hot and not too cold. The Christian had places to go, people to see, and a list of things to do. Needless to say, he was on a schedule. On his way to the grocery store, he stopped at a local office supply shop that was adjacent to a hardware store. On his way out of the office supply shop and to his car, he had the opportunity to help a man who was loading his truck with lumber from the hardware store. A roll of wire screen fell off his cart and began rolling away. The Christian picked it up, placed it back in the man's cart, and offered to help him load the lumber into his truck. The man respectfully declined, but thanked the Christian for the offer of help.
At the grocery store, the Christian had the opportunity to help an elderly woman who asked him for assistance reaching an item on a top shelf. She was very appreciative of the Christian's help (and height).
At the checkout line in the grocery store, the Christian had the opportunity to help the clerk as she totaled his bill and bagged his groceries. As he placed the full bags in his cart, he opened new bags so the clerk could easily place groceries in the bag without having to pause. She was glad to have the help.
Outside the grocery store, as the Christian rolled his cart to a return area, he noticed a long row of carts--left by inconsiderate customers--situated tightly between the cart return and someone's truck, making it hard, if not impossible, for the owner of the truck to leave. As the Christian placed his cart in the cart return, the owners of the truck (a married couple) arrived and expressed their dismay at the situation. The Christian had the opportunity to help the husband move the carts away from his truck and place them in the cart return. He and his wife were very thankful for the Christian's assistance. After bidding the couple a good day, the Christian returned to his car and left.
Friends, have you ever had a day like that? Have you ever found yourself being in the position to provide help or do good? What do you do when opportunities like that arise?
You know, it's easy for us to just go about our daily routines oblivious to the world around us. It's even easier for us to convince ourselves that we're too busy and have no time to stop and help when we see an opportunity present itself. However, if a Christian desires to help others by doing good works, he or she needs to stop and look around on a regular basis. Remember the apostle Paul's words to Christians in Galatia: "And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith" (Gal. 6:9,10). How will we be aware of opportunities to do good if we don't look for them?
Make no mistake; taking time to help others and do good isn't just a nice thing to do--it's what God wants us to do. Additionally, by helping others and doing good works, we are not just helping someone; we're also giving occasion for others to glorify God (Matt. 5:16; I Peter 2:12). Further, if we want someone to assist us in a time of need, then we should be willing to help others (cf. Matt. 7:12; 22:29).
Dear friends, there are numerous opportunities to help others and do good just waiting for us to see them. Let us open up our eyes and joyfully serve!