Be Shrewd

There is a story in the Bible that begins in Luke 16:1. I haven't been able to relate that story to my life for more than forty years. However, last week to my great joy I got a revealing understanding of the point Jesus was making.

The story is about a cheating manager who was caught stealing. When his boss fired him the man didn't know what he was going to do. He reasoned that he wasn't capable of manual labor and yet he didn't know anyone who would help him out. Then he had a bright idea. He would look for some people who were weighed down with heavy burdens and offer to share them and lighten their loads. Jesus said the man was shrewd and that we, who follow Him, should be, too. Because using our worldly resources to help others will make friends for us; and at the same time our generosity will store up rewards for us in heaven.

Who are these people carrying heavy burdens and where could I find them? It just so happened that I heard of several different situations last week which eventually led to my revelation. First, there was a young wife who desperately wanted her husband's love and recognition and yet at every opportunity he either rejected or ignored her. Then there was the young son who yearned for his father's attention and guidance as he grew up but his father couldn't see beyond his own need for booze to meet his son's needs. I thought about the elderly neighbor who was being mistreated and threatened by her caregiver. She was suffering because she didn't know a single soul who could help her. Finally, there was a new widow whose husband had always taken care of the finances and now she had no idea how to make good decisions for herself.

It was easy to see that the people carrying heavy burdens were all around me. I couldn't miss them if I determined to listen to what they were saying. My struggle is the same one I've always had: am I willing to get involved, to share their burden and try to lighten it or just blow them off with platitudes? I've found it always requires more of a sacrifice than I first anticipate when I choose to enter in. So, I always leave some room for the unknown when I 'count the cost.'   I make a promise to God and myself that once I begin I won't quit just because the going gets tough.

The other thing I've learned about this principle is that I have to help when a person's burden is heavy. Friendship goes to the one who helps share the load. All of the good intentions or promises in the world will not make a friend once the burden is lifted. The young son who grew up with a Big Brother he could lean on does not switch his loyalty to a sober father once he's grown. No matter how much the father might lavish on him the same bond does not develop.

However, if someone comes across my path and I share her burdens and hopefully lighten them I make a new friend for life, a true friend that I can trust and depend on. As a bonus God sets aside a reward for me in heaven. There are not many endeavors that reap such lasting benefits!

Inspirational Friends

I was taught many years ago that I should hang out with people who inspired me if I wanted to live a successful life. I've always believed that adage was true. I attend a Friday Bible study that has become another of those inspirational groups for me.

Last week, I felt especially challenged as the conversation swirled around me. As each of the women shared the events of their week I was struck by the effort and prayer they each invested in serving those around them.

One, whose church had taken on the PTA duties of an elementary school, described her involvement in the program as well as her efforts on behalf of another charity in town. Another looks forward to the days each week that she volunteers at a clothing center for those in need. A third had cleaned the house of an elderly woman who was disabled and the fourth had just prepared lunch for 15 ladies who gathered at her house to learn how to sew dresses for African children. The fifth lady had spent the last week and a half volunteering to host a re-enactment of the Old Testament Tabernacle outdoors in the scorching sun and blistering wind of West Texas.

As I listened I thought to myself, none of these women are physically young (though most are younger than I am), and yet they are not wasting the days of their lives. They never spend our time together complaining or discussing why they can't do something. They are storing up treasure for themselves in heaven. 

Last week their conversation included a woman some had met who put us all to shame with her life of serving. Everywhere she looked she saw people whose needs she could help with and she continually strove to meet them. That woman is truly a marvel! I don't remember her name but I'm certain God knows her very well.

Since the meeting on Friday, I've spent a lot of time thinking about my friends and what was said. I've asked God to bring people across my path who I can help and to make me more sensitive to others' needs. I want to ease the burdens of individuals I meet as well as be a part of larger more anonymous projects.

Today as I was preparing to leave a public parking lot a stranger hailed me down. He needed a battery boost to start his car. I didn't even think of saying 'no.' It was very satisfying to 'meet in person' the first answer to my new prayer!