Take Opportunities to Grow Your Spirituality
Although this was a small and simple act of service, it probably had a huge impact on the person receiving it.
A few days ago, my neighbor asked me to help him with something important. He was going to have minor surgery and he asked me if I could drive him and his wife to the hospital. He also asked me to stay behind in order to communicate with medical professionals and take notes since his wife has difficulty communicating in English. Of course, I was happy to help and serve him and his wife in this way. This was an opportunity for me to learn to live in a way that would ultimately please my Lord and Savior. Here are some things I really wanted to practice on this occasion:
A little bit of sacrifice – A request like this came with minor inconveniences. I would have to be awake very early as we needed to be at the hospital by 6 AM. I couldn't attend a morning meeting that I was looking forward to. I would have to stay at the hospital for about six hours or more. But this was a wonderful opportunity for me to grow in my understanding of self-sacrifice and to love my neighbor (who was literally my next-door neighbor) as myself (see Mark 12:31).
Serve in small ways – The request wasn't very complicated. Drive them to the hospital and back home. Communicate with the hospital staff. Help around when needed. This was a good opportunity for me to serve somebody in a very small way. I don't have to wait for a “bigger opportunity.” Although this was a small and simple act of service, it probably had a huge impact on the person receiving it. In particular, it gave my neighbor peace of mind knowing that there will be somebody to support him and his wife.
Witnessing about Christ – My neighbor and his family are not believers in Christ. This gave them a chance to see a side of Christianity that they may have never encountered before. My neighbor's sister and brother-in-law also showed up at the hospital too at some point. They were surprised that a neighbor would help out in this way. I got the chance to be an example of what it's like to follow Christ.
Strengthen weaknesses – One of the things that I personally find challenging is being hospitable to other people. I've been considering ways to grow in this area and I've been asking the Lord to help me. This is exactly the kind of opportunity I need (that's likely from the Lord) to help me strengthen this weak area of my life.
Flexibility – Lastly, I can learn to be flexible. For obvious reasons, my usual daily routine was disrupted. I wasn't able to get around to praying and meditating as much as I'm used to. That's OK. I need to continue learning to be flexible so that I can serve God in unique situations like this. I just need to remember to pick up my normal routine once again when the unique circumstances are over.
If you get unique requests for help like what I did, see them as wonderful opportunities to grow your spiritual life and walk with Christ. These kinds of situations have the potential to deepen your faith, character, and discipleship, if you're open to them.
Barnabas the Monastic
Servant of Christ. Husband. Dad. Modern Monastic. I have a wild ambition in life: get as close to the Lord Jesus Christ as I can while on earth. I explore and integrate ancient Christian monk wisdom in modern everyday life. Lives in Canada.
