If we act like the less fortunate should be grateful for anything we do for them, are we truly acting as Jesus’ workmanship unto good works?

Ephesians 2:10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.

If we act like the less fortunate should be grateful for anything we do for them, are we truly acting as Jesus’ workmanship unto good works?

It’s all too easy to feel the little piddly things we do for the less fortunate are the significant good works that God hath before ordained that we should walk in them.  It’s all too easy to do a little something and feel we’ve done our share. At least we signed a check or put change in a pot or gave a couple of canned goods for a food drive.

I’ll have to admit that I’ve been all too guilty of this one, as well. I mean to do good, but get caught up in my own life and forget. The thing is, if God went to all the trouble to ordain that we should do these good works, determined before we were even born, do we really think the little piddly amount we do now would be it? I highly doubt it! I, along with the rest of us, have to be prayerful and more open to doing Jesus’ will for the less fortunate.

Even if you have no money that you can spare, a good place to start would be treating these people with respect and smiling when you cross their paths. Also, when we see those in need or hear of a worthy cause, even if we can’t help them financially, we can pray for them and their well-being and for them and their families to develop a life-long relationship with Jesus!

If we think others are beneath us, does that mean we think they are unworthy of God’s grace?

Acts 20:32 And now, brethren, I commend you to God, and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up, and to give you an inheritance among all them which are sanctified.

If we think others are beneath us, does that mean we think they are unworthy of God’s grace?

As you will notice in this Bible verse, it doesn’t only say the ones who have social standing, a fancy car, and the latest technology are worthy of God’s grace. Actually, none of us is really worthy of His grace, but He gives it to us freely if we believe in His Son Jesus, who gave His life for our sins.

So, what about all those other people who seem beneath us that we ignore as we drive by and see them with a bottle in a paper bag? Or those who appear that they would do anything for another fix? Or those who don’t seem to be able to hold down a job? Are they unworthy of Christ’s Grace, as well?

Of course not! God loves each and every one of those people, the same as He loves us. It saddens Him when we make choices that pull us away from Him, but at any given moment, if we turn to Christ and ask Him to heal us, He will if we truly listen to Him and are willing to do what He shows us. He wants all to have the inheritance among all them which are sanctified, not just the ones who think they are better than others. Actually, He can heal those too who are self-righteous and think they are better than others, if they ask Him.

When we feel we deserve decent food and nice things, are we showing the contentment that Jesus asks for?

1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.

When we feel we deserve decent food and nice things, are we showing the contentment that Jesus asks for?

I feel we all too often feel we deserve better than we currently have or we overspend on things now to make sure we have what we feel we deserve. I've heard people say that they deserve a massage every so often. Is that true? I've heard that people say that they deserve a new car, a better job, a nicer house, a raise, etc. Are these true?

This passage says that ...1 Timothy 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. It goes on to say that: For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. Would Jesus think that we are being content when He hears all the things we think we deserve?

So, if Christ makes sure we have enough food, are we doing His will if we neglect all those who have inadequate food each day?

James 2: 14 What doth it profit, my brethren, though a man say he hath faith, and have not works? Can faith save him? 15 If a brother or sister be naked, and destitute of daily food, 16 And one of you say unto them, Depart in peace, be ye warmed and filled; notwithstanding ye give them not those things which are needful to the body; what doth it profit? 17 Even so faith, if it hath not works, is dead, being alone.

So, if Christ makes sure we have enough food, are we doing His will if we neglect all those who have inadequate food each day?

If I'm being honest about this, I do some token things like make occasional monetary contributions and donate to food drives, but is that enough? I think from this Bible passage it's very apparent that Christ wants us to make a deliberate effort to provide for those in our community, our country, and our world who have insufficient food. That means, we can no longer turn a blind eye or vote down measures that would allow adequate food for the less fortunate.

If we make sure the wealthy have plenty of tax breaks and raise the rent of the low income, are we telling Jesus that those He wants us to protect on His behalf don't matter?

If we make sure the wealthy have plenty of tax breaks and raise the rent of the low income, are we telling Jesus that those He wants us to protect on His behalf don't matter?

In the Bible it says:
My brethren, have not the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with respect of persons. For if there come unto your assembly a man with a gold ring, in goodly apparel, and there come in also a poor man in vile raiment; And ye have respect to him that weareth the gay clothing, and say unto him, Sit thou here in a good place; and say to the poor, Stand thou there, or sit here under my footstool: Are ye not then partial in yourselves, are become judges of evil thoughts? Hearken, my beloved brethren, Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him? But ye have despised the poor. Do not rich men oppress you, and draw you before the judgment seats? James 2:1-6

In my opinion, it doesn't sound like Jesus likes us giving preferential treatment to the rich.  Note: Hath not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which He hath promised to them that love Him? But ye have despised the poor. Further more Jesus says through the Bible: If you fulfil the royal law according to the scripture, Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself, ye do well: But if ye have respect to persons, ye commit sin, and are convinced of the law as transgressors. James 2:8-9