Living for others – Part 2

In the early church, no one owned any property privately, as they sold all they had and laid the proceeds at the feet of the apostles cheerfully. They purchased commodities, which were shared equally amongst them, and whatever anyone had was used in common, to show that they were indeed one family. (Act.2: 24). This was the same way Jesus acted. The Bible says, “which kind of love is this that a man lay down his life for his friends” (Phl 2:5). So, relatively, we ought to lay our lives down for our brothers and our sisters. If you are a Christian and you are not living a life of sacrifice, I wonder the kind of Christianity you are practising and professing. The moment you think of drinking cold water, remember there are millions around that will want to drink cold water at that time. So, look around and you will see them. Do not deceive yourself, as you do not need to look far before you see them.

Looking at Jesus, He is God Himself, yet the Bible says, “He humbled Himself.” He brought Himself lower than He should, just for Him to relate with other people, for Him to do good to other people, for Him to be life to those that have no life. We always say, “be your brother’s keeper.” Look around in your church, neighbourhood, office, market place, fellowship and business place. There are people that have needs, which require your attention. They need your touch and your invitation. The N10, 000 you consider nothing, but snack money with friends, if given to a man in dire need, who is about to die can bring him back to life. For a man that is helpless and hopeless, N1, 000 can bring him back to life. So, do not waste that money, sow it into someone’s life today, who desperately needs it, as it shall become a point of contact (seed) for the day you shall equally be in need, no matter how rich, influential, connected and powerful you are.

Recently, I met a young man of about 24 years by the gutter crying early in the morning. I took a closer look at him and discovered he was not a beggar. He was a troubled soul. So, I parked and asked what the problem was and why he was crying. He replied he had not eaten for some days, and was very hungry. He pulled up his shirt to show me his stomach and behold it was quite flat. I replied, “Indeed, you are hungry. I reached out and gave him N500 for his breakfast and was completely taken aback by the melodrama that ensued as he displayed gratitude, even as he was still crying. When I recovered from the shock of the embarrassment before people gathered, I realised the worth of the money to him. Had I more, I would have given him, just as he confessed that he was contemplating dying, but I had revived his life and given him hope to live on.

I know most of us will be wondering what the big deal is or even what is the worth of N500. But in reality, even N100 can change a man’s countenance, just as N1, 000 can save a dying man. The moral lesson in this story is that beyond being spiritual, we must be sensitive to the situations and circumstances in our environment, as we all have the opportunity of being a blessing to someone, giving hope and reviving lives. And irrespective of how small the amount involved is; the main point is the thought, concern and affection that make us human and shows the essence of God’s nature.

Rev. Emmanuel O. S. Okereke Is the Founder/Presiding Bishop of Divine Power Pentecostal Chapel Inc. Mechanic Village, Off Osolo Way, Behind Aswani Market, Isolo, Lagos.Www.Sheperdhousedppc.Org, Info@Sheperdhousedppc.Org, 08033844117