This week’s message on Luke 14:25-35 left me thinking. I feel very deeply about the passage Jon preached, and yet I don’t feel like I understand or am living it to the fullest. As I sat down to think about the depth and importance, different memories began to fill my mind. 

“I want to come live with you,” the little girl said as we sat on the swings together. This girl was one of many who had come from the reservation in Alberta to a youth camp. Shortly after that conversation, her mother showed up for parent night. It was heart wrenching watching them interact. This little girl longed for the love of her mother, and yet could not trust her efforts after years of broken promises and abuse.

What could I do in this situation? Isn’t this an issue for the government? I follow a God who says, “He ensures that orphans and widows receive justice” (Deuteronomy 10:18). This little girl, who has been in at least 3 different homes since the summer of 2017, is seen and known by our Father. Would I as a disciple of Jesus be willing to step in and do something?

Sitting in ESL class, a woman confessed she had not had any visitors to her home since she moved to Canada. Over a year in a foreign country and she didn’t have any friends, no one to share a meal or a conversation with. I could feel the loneliness in her voice as I looked into her eyes. She could not say many words, but she spoke volumes to me that day. 

What does it mean when Jesus tells his disciples that, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,” (Matthew 25:35). Jesus cared for the least of these. Was I giving them attention? My time? My resources?

These are just some of the many thoughts and memories I have of stepping into the fullness of discipleship--each one with a different price tag. I wanted to invite you to join me in prayer through this passage, taking it to heart and committing it to action. 

Now What?

1. Get alone for a chunk of time today, take anywhere from 10 minutes to an hour to quiet your hearts before God

2. List out opportunities to serve the least of these in our own community, for example

• Consider volunteering in programs like WLA ESL Class and caring for the immigrant population
• Contact Lyall for opportunities to care for elderly/lonely
• Contact Graham to hear how we are caring for the needy with food drives and groceries
• Consider opening your home short term to children in crisis through organizations like Safe Families, etc, as there are many opportunities
• Other places where God might be leading you

3. Listen and see what God is putting on your heart, start with one action today

4. Contact your life group or other members of the church to pray and partner with you as you take the first step

Our Master calls us to give everything to follow Him, just like He gave everything to rescue us. So let us spur each other on towards love and good deeds and pay the high cost, because it's worth it.