So, I was reading the passage in Matthew 24 about the sheep and the goats. Jesus tells his disciples that all nations will gather before him and then he will separate the sheep from the goats by putting the sheep on his right hand and the goats on his left. To be honest, I’ve read this chapter in Matthew many times, but the Holy Spirit quickened something within me that challenged me.
He asked me, “Are you a goat?”
My original reply was, “No, I’m a sheep.”
He asked me, “What do sheep do?”
Then I reread verses 36 through 40. I had to ask myself, “When did I give food to the hungry? When did I give thirsty people water to drink? When have I lodged a stranger? Who have I clothed? How often do I visit the sick? Have you ever been to prison?”
How can I be so confident that I have eternal salvation and that I will inherit the kingdom of God when I’m struggling to find actions in my life that demonstrate that I am one of His flock? Jesus says to the sheep you did these things to me. You gave me water, food, clothing, and shelter. You ministered to me when I was sick and in prison. His sheep responded when did we do these things for you? He replied when you did them for the least among you; you did them for me. The sheep were not aware that Jesus saw their actions as ministering to Him. They did them with no expectation. They gave generously to those in need around them because they intrinsically had a spirit that desired to help and serve.
But, I’m a good person my next thought. We all respond that way when our actions are put under a microscope. Holy Spirit reminded me that I am to be transformed into His image, not into a better version of myself. You see, goats believe they are sheep. They graze in the field with the sheep and live among them. There is nothing in their surroundings that tells them they are goats and not sheep. But, their actions demonstrate who they are. They don’t feed the hungry, give water to the thirsty, and certainly don’t care about those in prison.
But, I haven’t been called to a prison ministry. I believe we use “calling” as an excuse for our not “doing.” There are many types of prisons that people find themselves in from addiction to depression to actual incarceration. The point is we must show our faith by our works. I have been personally challenged to kick it up a notch and reach beyond where I am.
Jesus does the separating, and I don’t want to think I’m a sheep because I’m busy doing what I consider to be a good church or ministry work. I want to be an actual sheep.
This challenge is why my family and I have decided to sponsor a child in need through Compassion International. We sponsor a six-year-old boy named Marlon who lives in the Dominican Republic. We will provide financial support and pray for Marlon daily. This sponsorship is the first step in putting faith into action. I challenge you to do the same.
Let’s be more! Give more! Live more!
God bless