Every Man

And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’ Matthew 25:40

While in Lubbock this weekend with my step-sister, Katie, we were stopped at a red light where a homeless man with a sign was camped.  Katie began digging through her purse and I assumed it was to give money to the man.  That began a discussion on giving and homeless people.  We both agreed that although there was a chance that man might misuse our funds, giving is what a Christian should do and the Bible clearly states that what you do to the “least of these” you do to Christ.  Unfortunately, the light turned green before either of us was able to unearth cash from our overloaded purses.  As we sped away, Katie muttered under her breath, “Sorry, Dude.  I hope you weren’t Jesus.”

Obviously, I had to laugh at that statement but the principles behind that event have been gnawing at me for two days now.  Even before spending the weekend in Lubbock, I’ve been thinking a lot about God’s love and people.  Not specific people, necessarily...just people in general.  I’ve been asking myself a very difficult question. 

Do I love people the way Christ loves them?

Sadly, the answer is no.  And it’s not even a matter of whether I would give my life for them.  So often I fail to look at people through the eyes of their Creator and see someone of worth, someone who is loved.  Instead I find myself being critical and judgmental – looking down my nose at “the least of these”.

I’ve been asking God to help me with this and give me HIS attitude and HIS heart when it comes to those around me.  He’s been quick to answer me and just this morning, he brought an amazing song across my path that I will share with you.  As I listened to the lyrics, my prayer changed just slightly.  I continue to pray that I would love others with the love of my Savior but now I ask that my fellow believers would join me so that together we can be the hands and feet of Jesus…to every man.

Everyman

By Casting Crowns

I'm the man with all I've ever wanted


All the toys and playing games


I am the one who pours your coffee, corner booth each Saturday


I am your daughter's favorite teacher


I am the leader of the band


I sit behind you in the bleachers


I am every man



I'm the coach of every winning team and still a loser in my mind


I am the soldier in the airport facing giants one more time


I am the woman shamed and haunted by the cry of unborn life


I'm every broken man, nervous child, lonely wife



Is there hope for every man


A solid place where we can stand


In this dry and weary land


Is there hope for every man


Is there love that never dies


Is there peace in troubled times


Someone help me understand


Is there hope for every man



Seems there's just so many roads to travel, it's hard to tell where they will lead


My life is scarred and my dreams unraveled


Now I'm scared to take the leap


If I could find someone to follow who knows my pain and feels the weight


The uncertainty of my tomorrow, the guilt and pain of yesterday



There is hope for every man


A solid place where we can stand


In this dry and weary land


There is hope for every man


There is Love that never dies


There is peace in troubled times


Will we help them understand?


Jesus is hope for every man