Help Others Be a Light in the World

I talk about summer camp from time to time here. It truly was my favorite place in the whole world when I was a child and a teenager. When I was at summer camp, I never wanted to leave. I still have friends that I met at summer camp. There were prayers that started in my heart from my earliest years at summer camp…and they are still there. One of the biggest things for me at summer camp was hearing the different stories of the missionaries that were visiting for the week, or the weekend. There are many of those missionaries that I still pray for today. From the time I was ten years old I have supported them through prayer. 

I can sit here right now and in my mind, immediately when I think about the missionaries from summer camp, I am lifting up Elva, Ray, the Teglers, the Stumps, the Nutters, and Mary Lou & Byron. These were the missionaries that I had personal contact with and that left a big impression on my life. I have carried these names with me throughout my life, and I feel like I have been part of their ministries throughout my life.

Then, probably over the past twenty-five years or so I have had contact with other missionaries that I met mostly through church. I have been blessed enough to be able to support them through prayer and small ministry donations. So, the names Miss Mildred & Miss Betty, the Bennetts, the Parkers and the Mullins’ all stayed within my prayers. My spiritual life has been strengthened and enhanced by my limited involvement in their lives and their ministries. 

In Philippians 4:14-18, Paul commended the Philippian believers because they never hesitated to continue supporting him throughout his times of distress and trouble. 

Paul expressed his gratitude to the Philippian Church, telling them that as he began his ministry and moved on from Macedonia, that they were the only church that communicated with with him and remembered him with financial gifts. He told them that even when he was away from them in Thessalonica, they once again sent what was necessary for his support.

Paul wanted them to understand that his gratitude was not because he desired a gift but because he desired that they would be blessed by their generosity. Paul reminded them that Epaphroditus brought their gift to him. He told them that with it, he had all that he needed. He shared with them that he was certain their sacrifice was pleasing to God and made Him smile in satisfaction.

What is the challenge this passage brings us as we walk with Christ? We tend to hover in our own safe spaces and don’t always see what is going on around us. The challenge of this passage for us may be to become aware of the needs of those around us to see if we could come alongside them in support and encouragement, even if no one else is.

How can we apply this to our lives? Be willing to help where you can. Everyone cannot help in every situation, but we can all find some way to help. Prayer is a huge ministry. Don’t downplay the importance of this role, especially now as the world is getting smaller. We can find ways that we can go deeper with our physical, financial and prayer ministries.  

My faith is strengthened by knowing that I do not have to be out there wading down the Amazon to be part of sharing the Gospel. I can give to the areas that God leads me, and more importantly for me I can lift up those that are out there spreading the Gospel and still feel like I am part of the army out there working for my Lord. 

Lord, You have given me so many opportunities to serve You throughout my life. From working in my local church, short-term mission trips, and supporting missionaries that are out there active in Your work, I am so blessed to be Your child and Your servant. I pray that You will always allow me to continue supporting others in their ministries so they can be a light in the world. 

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“14 Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction. 15 Now ye Philippians know also, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I departed from Macedonia, no church communicated with me as concerning giving and receiving, but ye only. 16 For even in Thessalonica ye sent once and again unto my necessity. 17 Not because I desire a gift: but I desire fruit that may abound to your account. 18 But I have all, and abound: I am full, having received of Epaphroditus the things which were sent from you, an odour of a sweet smell, a sacrifice acceptable, wellpleasing to God.”  Philippians 4:14-18 (KJV)

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I feel that since God has given me the gift of this platform, I must always tell you about my Jesus.  

What is your relationship to the all-knowing God of the universe?  Do you know Jesus? Do you know the peace that can come only from an intimate relationship with Him?  You can know Him.  Jesus Christ, God’s Son, born into human flesh, sinless, crucified and giving His life freely, buried, arisen on the third day, will come into your life and change the outcome of your eternity.  You just have to be willing to believe and accept His truth.  

In addition, here is an excellent page that can give you additional information on peace with God: PeaceWithGod.net. 

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