Today on my lunch break, some friends and I went to Taco Bell. Upon exiting our vehicle we were approached by a homeless gentleman begging for cash. Now, my policy is to NEVER give out money to homeless unless directed specifically by God to do so, but I almost always give out food of some sort to needy individuals. Upon the third prompting for cash-change-anything, and just before I could say my third "no-not now" and offer to buy the gentlemen a taco, I was rudely put off by a "Screw you ma'am" as he wandered off muttering "whatever."
I had said no to his request for cash, sure, but did I deserve such a remark? I think not! Had he exhibited a little patience, or even humility for that matter, he would have received a free lunch from the $20 I held in my pocket. Shuffling off the experience, I went inside to eat.
I ordered a simple meal, Taco and nachos. And munched away happily with my friends, all the while catching up on the happenings of life. While in the middle of our meal, we were interrupted again, by another homeless gentlemen. I must admit, human flesh began rose as I was a annoyed by the harassment of homeless. But, not showing it, I looked the man in the eye as he delivered his beggar speech.
This man, however was different than the first. This man, calmly explained that he was hungry and had no cash to buy a Taco and wondered if one of us would be willing to buy it for him. He did not ask for money and began walking away, expecting a no I guess. I stood up with a nod to stop him and proceeded to the counter to purchase food, buying him more than the requested Taco. Learned his name, asked how I could pray for him and discovered that he needed a job as he had been passing out fliers all afternoon for handy work. Etc. Etc.
The point? I was willing to help out either man. But it was the second who had the attitude I happily rewarded. I do believe God puts people in our path to "test" us. Matthew 25:35 rings in my ear in every situation such as this: "...When I was hungry you gave me something to eat.." And Hebrews 13:2 states: "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. "
Another thought on this discussion brings the parable of the two brothers, in Matthew 21. Jesus describes a father approaching two brothers asking them to do work. One brother replies that es he will, and in fact never does. The other brother replies no he won't and in the end, concedes and does the Father's bidding. The second brother is praised by Jesus afterwards for doing the father's will.
This passage is one I often refer to because I think the implications are so very powerful, and I am always wondering what the story might have been like if the first brother not only said yes to the Father's will, but also completed the task willingly? For, as believers, it is our responsibility and joy to not only seek God's will but do it willingly. God's will is always accomplished, with or without us, but it is our attitude at stake.
This afternoon I was more than happy to help out the humble stranger-more so than his request. As a teacher I must admit I take more joy in granting the request of an obiedient student, than the reluctant follower. How much more would God desire to bless us when we exhibit an attitude of obedience and humility?
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