Judgement Day

"But I tell you that everyone will have to give account on the day of judgment for every empty word they have spoken." Matthew 12:36

I encountered a few annoying things, on yesterday, that grabbed my attention and kind of soured my overall mood.

First, I witnessed someone extend an overwhelming amount of patience and consistency as they were hit with a "double whammy" simultaneously. Well, I'm sure it was nothing out of the ordinary for their daily ministerial routine because they were just flowing gracefully in their gift. My head hurt just imagining having to deal with something like that on a consistent basis. There was just no way that I could see myself being equipped for this call but their smooth execution silenced the firecrackers that exploded in my head as I offered invisible kudos to a job well done. Shadowing people in ministry gives you a different level of appreciation for the assignments that extends far beyond normal business hours. The need is definitely great!

After being in that environment, I felt drained of all compassion, empathy and patience. My morale dwindled as I thought about being exposed to challenging personalities. Funny, I've always considered myself to be a voice for the "underdog," but yet exercised such great criticism when it came to the intense challenges. I thought about "attitudes" that I'd encounter along the way that forced me to quit! In other words, I refused to share space with anyone that forced me to stretch beyond my critical perimeters. It annoyed me to see others give up on the difficult ones, but here I was guilty as charged and mentally checked out. My flesh didn't want to be inconvenienced. Seeing the need came with the accountability to serve and well ignoring it was the selfish, easier route.

Genuinely "showing up" for others is time consuming, messy and inconvenient. It's not the coveted, highlight of ministry that gains much recognition but a simple "I SEE YOU" can truly transform a person's trajectory.

As I sat reevaluating my day, I thought about all the "divine appointments" that I forfeited in disobedience. Then something I heard at noon Bible Study rang in my spirit, "Many glance but everyone doesn't grab."

Was I walking through life satisfied with glancing and judging?
Was I showing up in observation mood?
Did I encounter the needs, analyze the conditions but failed to direct the afflicted to the Healer?

We're quick to "judge" people's physical actions without knowing the inner conditions of their heart. But it costs nothing to be kind to people! Everyone that needs help won't show up as a panhandler with an obvious sign, begging for mercy. Some are the quiet, unnoticed ones that sit beside you every week that are dying on the inside.

How can we do ministry without being in position to serve?

Be spiritually proactive and meet people where they are on this journey.

Some will require you to dig in the trenches and get your hands dirty.

"And this is the will of him who sent me, that I shall lose none of all those he has given me, but raise them up at the last day." John 6:39

What will God say about your "service" on Judgement Day?