“And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices God is pleased.” – Hebrews 13:16
“If you need anything, just let me know.”
Have you heard this before? Or maybe used this line yourself?
If the former, you might have been telling someone about a tough time you were facing. Perhaps you were laid off from a job, or having relationship problems, or faced a serious health issue.
This phrase was their response – which, chances are, did not make you feel much better.
If the latter, another person had probably just related their misfortune to you. Of course you were willing to help. But … how? When? So, you tossed the ball back into their court.
They’d reach out if a need arose, right?
If only … which is why “Let me know if you need anything,” or various iterations of this inane statement, is the worst phrase ever.
Face it: When someone said this to you, did you ever ask them for help?
No. Get serious.
Similarly, if you tossed out this throwaway line, did the recipient ever reach out?
No.
Human nature gets in the way of accepting a potentially well-intentioned offer. We don’t want to burden the other person. Things aren’t that bad – we’ll carry on. Or maybe ego intrudes, and we just don’t want to admit how rough our situation is.
As for the person “offering” assistance … well, they did offer, didn’t they?
Out of such interactions is nothing born. No one is helped. No one experiences the joy of helping another. The words of Galatians 6:2, “Carry each other’s burdens, and in this wayyou will fulfil the law of Christ,” go unheeded.
A Detour from the Road to Nowhere
“God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.” – Hebrews 6:10
The road to hell is paved with good intentions. How many bricks have you inadvertently laid?
God calls us to help others. He assures that the benefit will be twofold. To quote Proverbs 11:25, “A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
We should serve, just as Christ did. His family – our family – needs help. We shouldn’t wait to be asked. Nor should we use being “busy” as an excuse, or that we already “offered” to help.
No. Stop asking. Just do it.
Pay a visit to a struggling person. Bring them a meal. Cut their grass. Take them out for a meal. Or, just sit and keep them company.
Do. Something.
The time to talk is passed. The time to walk is here. As the body of Christ, we have many miles to cover … and many, many people to help along the way.
Breaking From the Divide
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
Modern societal forces do a great job of keeping us divided. The chasms are many – race, gender, income and more – all pushed by those who profit from the separation.
This division is fueled by inability, or lack of opportunity, to understand others who are different. Honest conversation and communication could make a world of difference. Doing so, however, requires people to let down their guard, and relinquish ego.
And who has time, right?
Our society has a BUSY (Buried Under Satan’s Yoke) problem. We’re consumed in our own lives. We’re “too busy” to check in on others. Thus, the divisions persist.
Breaking from this mold is not easy. If we ignore the perils of others, though, we ignore Christ’s own words. Escaping requires shedding our own self-absorption, and leaning into others.
Consider these means:
- Love one another: Hold others in high regard, and show love wrapped in respect. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” – John 13:34.
- Accept one another: Receive others as brothers and sisters in Christ. Treat them as such. “Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” – Romans 15:7
- Live in harmony with one another: Accept the validity of those who hold a different worldview. Try to learn about, and understand, their perspective. “Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.” – Romans 12:16
- Honor one another beyond self: Put others first? This is a tough one, as it rubs against human nature. Yes, be OK as a “second fiddle.” Practice humility. “Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
- Instruct one another: Keep others on righteous paths. Don’t admonish if they sometimes stray. Give good advice and guide sincerely. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.” – Ephesians 4:15
- Be kind and compassionate to one another: “I feel your pain” is a cliché. Yet, genuinely compassionate people really do. They care deeply. They seek to aid. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Helping others – not just talking about it (or “offering”) – is immensely fulfilling. The more we do, the greater the fulfilment.
We have more time to do so than we realize. The problem is we don’t manage it well (i.e., the BUSY problem). We can plan our time to accomplish our own tasks, and assist others.
By giving to others, we grow inside. Our souls fill. The body of Christ is uplifted.
The more we give, the more we get. It’s the oft-cited “Giver’s Game.” So, let’s stop “giving” useless, hollow tropes. God calls us to give more – and provides all that we’ll ever need to deliver.
(If you’re ready to embrace Christ, He’s ready for you. Visit C-Suite for Christ to join in Christ-centered fellowship with other professionals. Join us as a member. Plant a chapter where you live. Consider becoming a corporate partner. Follow C-Suite for Christ on LinkedIn and Facebook. Questions? Contact Paul M. Neuberger at (414) 313-8338 or pneuberger@csuiteforchrist.com.)
