Introduction
… whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, you do unto me… Last week I was rushing home and there was a lot of traffic. (I was walking) I came across a disabled woman on her electric wheelchair.
I felt like she needed help. The traffic was bad and the road was worse. I would like to say I helped her but I did not. (not my finest moment)
Later that evening, I saw a video on Facebook and it was eye opening. The title of the video is Business man teaches homeless boy how to start a business
A summary for those who can’t watch.
So basically, a man, driving his car comes up at an intersection and a boy starts washing his windscreen. He calls the boy and takes his detergent.
He then takes out a pack of facemasks and gives the boy, telling him that his screen washing business is obsolete.
He asks the boy how much a facemask costs to which the boys says 20 rands. The man then proceeds to buy one. The boy (being so smart) asks how he can restock. The man says he’ll bring more, and sends the boy off.
A few days later they meet again and the boy very gratefully shows the man how much money he made. He tells the man how he and his brothers have benefited from the business, and then asks for more. The man gives him a few more packs and he sells them as well.
The next day the boy says he wants to BUY (He has made enough to be able to) the man gives him something else to sell (a lesson on diversification) The gratitude of the boy is inspiring, surpassed only by his desire to be able to fend for himself and not be a burden to society.
P.S. Occasionally, The song Ndikhokhele bawo – lead me oh Father plays in the background (Great song)
The last day the man takes the boy to a supermarket where he can buy stock, then takes him to lunch. The video ends with a clip of the boy selling in the streets.
Playing your part
It is our duty as Christian to help each other. Romans 12:4 makes this clear. It says:
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ, we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.
We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully. – Romans 12:4-8
This passage mentions 7 gifts – Prophesy, service, teaching, encouragement, giving, leadership, and mercy. The gifts are bestowed on us by the Holy Spirit.
The man in the video clearly has the gift of giving, and he makes good use of his gift. we are called to do same.
The boy is hardworking and just needed some help for a start.
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Lessons
- Jesus is telling us that “whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers, You do unto me”
- There is yet hope for the world in spite of the horrible things that are happening each day.
- Opportunity finds those who are strategically positioned for it. The boy was not sitting somewhere and praying for manna from heaven.
- You must not be rich to give or help. the boy was already talking of how he was going to teach the business to his street brothers.
- Teach a man to fish and he will never go hungry
- Gratitude goes a long way
Conclusion
In some African cultures there is usually a hesitation to help for fear that the person helped is going to somehow use the help to mystically harm us.
We’ve all heard the stories and they sometimes stand in the way of us helping people in need. Do you believe these stories? please tell me what you think about it.
Wherever you find yourself, remember that the Holy spirit has equipped you with the tools to make an impact in your own little way.
However you use these gifts, remember that you will be held accountable. You will eeither be told ” Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world,” or “Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. For I was hungry and you gave me no food …”
I know I will try to help the woman in the wheelchair if I meet her again.
May God help us discern genuine people from people who aren’t, and give us the Grace to help those in need.
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