Who Are You Carrying?

By Hannah Goodwyn
CBN.com Producer

CBN.com – Unorthodox a request as this may be, once you’ve read this first paragraph, just play along. Imagine you are late for Sunday service rushing from your car to the front door of the church. About to walk in, you bypass a young woman smoking a cigarette, looking tired from a late-night bender. Now, close your eyes and let the scene unfold.

What happened?

Most of the faithful reading this would say they asked the young woman to come inside. Some would even say you invited her to pray for deliverance.

Let’s put reality to this scenario.

What if she were a young woman with cat-like eye makeup, tattered and revealing clothes, tattoos blanketing her shoulders, and a disheveled bee-hive? What if she didn’t want deliverance that morning? What then?

This question seems an appropriate one to ask because you will get an opportunity. For Amy Winehouse, Britain’s famed soul singer, life ended last month, at the age of 27. But, what about the millions who struggle with an addiction that threatens their very lives?

The Life within you, given to you by God Almighty, is not for you alone. If we truly believe, God redeems, then why do we ignore our neighbors who seek escape, whether they ask for help or not?

Our committed sins are not the only offenses we do against God. Our resistance to look beyond ourselves displeases the Father. Though we are not responsible for another’s sin, we are commanded to comfort and love, show mercy and grace as Christ did.

Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it. James 4:17, NLT

As Christians, we are called to deeper faith each day in our walk with God. But, remember, you are already saved. By God’s grace and Christ’s proven sacrifice, you are already redeemed. He carries you, leaving His footprints in the sand.

A day, a week, a year, 20 years later after you’ve given your life to God, let me ask you this: Who are you carrying?

Our footprints should dig deeper into the sand from the weight of the weak we carry to God. Carry the addicted, the ill, the brokenhearted, and the captives – in prayer, to God’s redemption. Offer them the grace God freely gave to you. The Lord will receive and care for them, as He has done for you.

Heal the sick, raise the dead, cure those with leprosy, and cast out demons. Give as freely as you have received! Matthew 10:8, NLT

This world is jam-packed with broken hearts – in and outside the Church. Think on those who are still in shock after the bombing and shooting in their country of Norway, which claimed 92 last month. Think of the kids who face each day alone as their parents are dead because of AIDS. Think of the girls, boys, and women who are forced to please paying customers on their way home from work.

Now that you have thought, do. Do something to help.

Often we refer to the following section of scripture from Matthew 25 as an exhortation about doing good.

"Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world.'" For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me. I was in prison, and you visited me.'

"Then these righteous ones will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give you something to drink? Or a stranger and show you hospitality? Or naked and give you clothing? When did we ever see you sick or in prison and visit you?'

"And the King will say, `I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!' (verses 34-40)

Continue reading and you will find that doing nothing for those in need – physically, emotionally, spiritually – is as if you did nothing for Christ on this Earth.

"Then the King will turn to those on the left and say, `Away with you, you cursed ones, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his demons. For I was hungry, and you didn't feed me. I was thirsty, and you didn't give me a drink. I was a stranger, and you didn't invite me into your home. I was naked, and you didn't give me clothing. I was sick and in prison, and you didn't visit me.'

"Then they will reply, `Lord, when did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and not help you?'

"And he will answer, `I tell you the truth, when you refused to help the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were refusing to help me.'

"And they will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous will go into eternal life." (verses 41-46)

We will not be honored for our service to God if it is unto ourselves.

Look beyond your world. Be true to the name of Christ by being His hands and feet – for all of His sake and ours.

Say a prayer with me for Amy Winehouse's family and all of the men, women, and children affected by the bombing and shooting in Norway.