An episode of the TV show M*A*S*H tells the story of a helicopter pilot who operated a side business selling scrap metal on the black market. He paid Korean children next to nothing to collect the metal from battlefields that were littered with land mines. In doing so, many of the children were injured and maimed.
An army surgeon, who treated some of the injured children, learned of the business and was outraged. He grounded the pilot indefinitely for undetermined medical reasons. Frustrated, the greedy pilot asked the surgeon if he was trying to save the world, to which the surgeon smiled and said, “No, just my little corner of it.”
What a great way to look at helping the people around you who are in need. It reminds me of one of Paul’s challenges to the church in Galatia—”whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone” (Galatians 6:10).
While we may not be able to end the practice of abortion in our corner of the world, we can reach out to a scared and confused, young, pregnant girl who has chosen life for her baby. Likewise, we can’t solve world hunger, but donating to a local food pantry or bringing a meal to a neighbor who is going through a rough time are a couple of ways we can shine the light and love of Jesus in our own corner of the world (Matthew 5:16).
We should never underestimate the huge impact our small efforts can have on the lives of others. Showing concern to a person during a time of physical or emotional need can eventually open the door to sharing how Jesus can meet an even greater spiritual need.
As John Maxwell said, “People don’t care how much you know—until they know how much you care.”
More:
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12).
Next:
What are some humanitarian needs that God is calling you to meet in your corner of the world? How can you help a hurting person today?
paullai on July 13, 2009 at 1:50 pm
Instead of reaching out to the pregnant girl AFTER she choose life, why not reach out to her before that, so that she can make the right choice? Instead of protesting before abortion clinics, turning those women away from God forever, why not reach out to those ALREADY has abortion also? Abortion is not the ONLY sin, is it?
evelyn on July 13, 2009 at 9:49 pm
There are so many in need that sometimes we become desensitized. Even worse we are moved into inaction because we don’t know where to start and which need to address first. We fear if we choose the wrong need someone more deserving is deprived. We fear the needy taking advantage of us. There is only so much we can do with the resources on hand. Yet Christ asks us to give of ourselves to others. Hebrews 13:16. Isaiah 58:7
So let’s start with our corner of the world…our immediate neighbors to the left & right, the people we interact with daily, our cell group members, our church community. Let them know you are available & willing to help in their time of need.
We add one more to God’s Kingdom not by being confrontational or by shoving the Bible down people’s throat or by a holier than thou attitude BUT by living out Christ commandments and sharing His love where we are.
henden on July 30, 2009 at 10:48 am
Amazing , myself I was injured and was unable to stand at my stove and cook for my family , our church community pitched in and brought meals and treats for my children .I realized I did not ask for this but God knew it was needed . Our family saw the love , and we gave back not because of any other reason then we want to serve our lord also . To help where it was needed , because we know how it helped us .One meal or a basket of cookies may seem so little but to someone who is unable it is the world and as we ate our meal we could taste the love .