Things Might Get a Little Messy
I’m a boy mom. God gave us two sons born three years apart, and in some ways, they’re a lot alike. In other ways, they’re practically polar opposites.
As kids, the younger of the two wasn’t at all averse to a little dirt, a smattering of mud or that “lived in,” cluttered look. His older brother, however, was a neat freak to the “nth” degree. His liking was for order and cleanliness.
In fact, big brother’s preference for the clean life caused him to miss out on one of life’s greatest food pleasures. The boy refused syrup on his pancakes because he didn’t want sticky hands.
And if we’re all honest, we have to admit that at one time or another, we’ve opted out of some very good things for fear of getting “sticky hands.”
I have a friend in Southeast Asia who is serving with a missionary organization. New culture, new language, far from familiarity and home. She’s sharing the love of Jesus with a people who are caught up in a works-based religion and fear. She could be teaching a classroom of elementary students back here in the States, but she’s chosen to leave behind everything that’s comfortable and known for the joy of getting “sticky hands” on the mission field.
I know some folks who foster little ones removed from their homes because of abuse and neglect. These folks weave their hearts into the lives of these children, praying for healing and restoration, all the while not knowing how much time they’ll have to pour into these vulnerable kiddos or what sort of situation those babies will be returning to when they leave. “Sticky hands?” You bet. But not one of those foster families would give up the opportunity to provide a safe, loving place for those kiddos to land, for as long as they’re able.
I know a couple who counsel and mentor other married couples whose marriages are struggling. They’ve seen just about everything – abuse, infidelity, addictions, and more. They get in the room with these couples, listen to their stories, ask good questions, and don’t judge. They have counsel to offer, but counsel doesn’t come before gospel clarity. And the counsel doesn’t come from their own wisdom but from the wisdom of the Word of God. This couple spends hours and hours in prayer, counseling time, and follow-up, and they end most days with “sticky hands.” But seeing husbands and wives reconciled under the Lordship of Jesus Christ and knowing that the children in their homes will grow up in a secure, loving environment is worth the mess.
All of these beloved friends inspire me to take the risk! Yes, I may have to sacrifice “my” personal time and comfort. My tender heart may get a little bruised. I may have to invest some energy and effort where I haven’t before. But when God calls me to roll up my sleeves, allow myself to be inconvenienced, and get my hands sticky for the benefit of others, I don’t want to miss out on being a part of the good things He’s doing in this world.
So come on, church! Bring on the syrup, Lord! Make us willing and ready for “sticky hands!”
*****
“Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:9-13
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
“You, my brothers, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the sinful nature; rather, serve one another in love. The entire law is summed up in a single command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Galatians 5:13-14
“The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.’” – Matthew 25:40
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” – 1 Peter 4:8-10
