It is that time of year when we celebrate our independence as a country. That independence came at a price, a human price. Maintaining that independence has been very costly. Celebrating our independence, to me, also means celebrating those who have and do serve this country by putting their lives on the line to maintain my freedom. It’s this type of sacrifice that makes me question would I?

Selflessly serving others as this scripture call us to do is something I want to be able to do, but I’m not sure I would.

34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’ Matthew 25: 34-40 NIV.

A friend of mine was sharing with me her experience of selflessly helping a friend. She went out on a limb for a friend with great emotional needs. I began to wonder would I? For members of my family and close friends the answer is an easy, yes. Beyond that my selfishness creeps in, and I don’t want to get out of my comfort zone.

I want to put conditions on those I serve, but there are no conditions in the scripture. It simply says, “The least of these.” I’m pretty sure that includes people who are outside of my circle of family and close friends. Am I willing to face my fears as our military do regularly? Am I willing to get off the couch and contribute to the wellbeing of others? Am I willing to stretch and get uncomfortable?

I think it’s time to change my would I to I will. It’s time to stretch and challenge myself to see and serve the least of these. Will you join me? What is holding you back? What inspires you to serve? Share here and we can encourage each other.