We Are His Hands And Feet

Many years ago a youngster who lived in a rough area of town was having a
hard time at his new job in the factory. He was brave enough, or foolish enough
(depending on your point of view) to hang on to his ideals, even his Christian
beliefs. His workmates did not approve of that so he got his daily dose of
ridicule and abuse.

One day, one of the men said to him: “You’re a fool. Can’t you see that if
there is a God who cares anything for the likes of you, he would tell someone to
come along and give you what you need – a good meal, a comfortable home, and at
least the chance to make something of yourself.” To this the youngster replied:
“I reckon God does tell someone, only that someone always forgets.”

A good answer under the circumstances. The reason so many perfectly
preventable evils persist everywhere is that so many of us ‘always forget’.

It is an established fact that the main problem facing a caring humanity is
not doing evil things but in permitting them to happen. Take pornography for
example. Here is a social and depraving evil too unpleasant to talk about, but
easy enough to allow by inaction. It seems that our public bodies, government
agencies, even churches, have a way of forgetting those whom they were called
into being to serve. A hardening, inhuman process sets in and then the
institution cares little except that its own existence and prestige must be
preserved.

We should remember that the personal, moral, social, economic and spiritual
revolution that commenced with Jesus must be continued by Christians who have
followed. We are his hands and feet. When the Lord asked Cain, “Where is your
brother Abel?” Cain answered, “I don’t know – am I my brother’s keeper?” He
displayed a poor attitude. It is an ungrateful business to be numbered among
those who couldn’t care less or always forget. Our institutions, governments and
churches would remember their purpose anew if enough people cared to see that
they do.

Have a good week. Pastor Ron

Optional Bible reading: Genesis 4:1-9

This is one of a series of weekly messages of encouragement originating from
the Huon Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. A companion Bible study page
is available each week. To subscribe email <> with the
words ‘subscribe word (or) word and study’ Enquire about our weekly ‘Kids World’
email newsletter for young people.

Pastor Ron Clarke JP (Mark 16:15)
An e-mail from the Derwent Valley, near Hobart, Tasmania, Australia

http://www.tassie.net.au/~rclarke/