Do not neglect to do good, to contribute [to the needy of the church as an expression of fellowship], for such sacrifices are always pleasing to God. Hebrews 13:16 AMP
The Context and Focus:
No one is directly credited with writing the book of Hebrews, but its message is quite relevant to our times today, just like all the other books of the bible. In all the words of the bible, you find the imprint and handiwork of God working through men that which is His perfect will. No matter the dispensation or the generation, you see God at work, in different manifestations as the Father, or the son, or the Holy Spirit. The critical message is always about God's work in the lives of the people of every generation. As God works in me, His life and touch will always manifest through me. As I live and relate with people on a daily basis, the hand of God upon me cannot and must not be hidden. I believe this is why man is God's instrument of impact on the earth, because I am the visible expression of the grace and power in the lives of the people God has surrounded me with. I an the visible expression of the invisible God. Do I properly reflect Him?
The Message:
This is the thrust of the verse above. It is easy to speak the language of the church, look or dress the part and generally just blend into the form and structure of the church, but the big question will always be about impact. Do men know who I am, and does my being a disciple reflect in the choices I make and how I relate with people? Light is great, but it is of no use if it is not shining out so people can be blessed or guided by it. It is in my daily life's choices and decisions that the quality and depth of my light will be revealed. Every man will flow out with that which you have; if what I have stored up is good, then when the squeeze comes, only good will come out. What I do not have cannot be forced out of me. I am asked not to forget to do good, which means that the pressure of daily living can sometimes make you forget to do what God expects you to do, but the Holy Spirit is always there to guide and guard. Am I depending on the Holy Spirit on a daily basis?
The Conclusion:
The fellowship of believers is the place of primary impact. It is good to have online fellowship, but it can never be the same as physical interaction. People put their best faces online, but nothing bears having a face-to-face conversation with someone, and being able to pour out yourself to that person, with the hope that God can use that person to meet your needs. It could also be the other way around, where you become the vessel in the hand of God to bless another. The early church in Act is the model, where no one had too much or too little, but everyone was quick to share. The needy will always be around us, because this is a generation that thrives on grabbing everything. Changing a life is more important to God than your net worth or your bank account balance. Making God known to people has far more important eternal value than knowing the latest trends. I ask the Holy Spirit for help, so my life and its activities, pursuits and priorities will please God. God's time of favour is here.
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