James 1:27

Today we had a big sale at work (I do tech support and manage our online inventory for a large General Motors dealership).  As a type of “incentive” we had free hot dogs.  At about ten in the morning a little old lady came in asking for them.  When told that we were starting them at 11 am, the disappointment in her eyes was obvious.

Now, I don’t know this lady’s situation.  She could be one of those with $200,000 buried in mayonnaise jars in her yard.  But it got me thinking about how difficult life can be for an elderly woman who is alone, with no family to fall back on.  Sure, the government helps some, but that only goes so far.  I’ve even heard of some who resort to eating cat food because its cheaper (could be an Urban Legend, but still).

Why do we depend on the government to take care of those who are forgotten by the rest of society?  Isn’t that what we’re supposed to do?  Isn’t that what Christ wants from us?

Let me challenge you:  this weekend, go to a nursing home and visit with someone who’s lonely.  Volunteer at a soup kitchen.  Take the love of Christ to those who really need it, and don’t waste it on pampered, spoiled church-goers who just want their “spiritual fix”.

Matthew 25: 31-40.