Jean had a bad morning. Her husband had been away on business – out of the country -- for over a week. She had 3 young boys to get ready for the day. One couldn’t find his sweatshirt. They were going to be late. She lost it. She raised her voice, more than once. She was tired. Her kids knew it.
Finally, Jean managed to get the eldest to school, and stopped at Peet’s with the two younger boys until the next school began. Sitting down with her coffee to take a breath, a homeless man approached her.
“Do you have any change?” She shook her head.
A few minutes later she told her boys, “Let’s get that man a muffin.” They went up to the counter, got the muffin and presented it to the man.
“Thank you. I was hungry.”
“You’re welcome,” Jean replied. She went on, “You know, Grace Church, on the corner of Osos and Pismo (she remembered that Tim always referred to her church with directions!) gives out muffins and coffee in between services on Sunday if you even want some more food.” (Way to go, Jean!)
The man smiled, “I’m a Christian. I know I don’t look much like one.”
Jean replied, “I don’t either!” She was thinking about the train wreck of her morning, and was so grateful that the Lord gave her an opportunity to reach out and feel thankful. She added, “You don’t need to worry about that. Come and visit Grace if you can.”
Later on, Jean thought over what that man had said. She remembered her morning. Had she “looked like a Christian” to her boys? She knew that following Christ has more to do with the fruit of the Spirit than outward appearance.
Anyone can have a bad morning. Not everyone will take the opportunity to give a cup of cold water to someone in need in the name of Christ (and invite them to church!) God is gracious. Here’s a Scriptural take on it: “Suppose a brother is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to him, ‘Go, I wish you well; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about his physical needs, what good is it? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” (James 2:15-17)
Isn’t it great that Jean met a felt need before offering a soul need?
How was your morning today? Good or bad, God gives grace and strength and opportunities to live your faith for those in need. Take heart (and take Jean a meal!)
Lord,
Thank you for helping me when I have a tough morning. It’s harder to “look like a Christian” in my own home. I pray for this homeless man – may he remember Jean’s boys and her invitation-with-food. May we all do what we need to do to look like Jesus, day in and day out. Amen.
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