Jesus went about doing good. That sentiment is stated clearly in Scripture, but more than being stated, it was actually seen. His actions spoke volumes above and beyond His words. Everywhere He went He was involved in doing good. He reached out to everyone, everywhere. He showed no favoritism toward one over another. He never stopped by simply giving a word of hope, but actually gave hope to those who would receive it.

Through my sixty-six years of life, I have seen so many lives radically changed because of the intervening, interrupting invasion of Jesus into the midst to horrible circumstances. And, more often than not, this intervention of Jesus was observed through the hands of His servants. In other words, Jesus works through those who identify themselves with Him and follow closely in His footsteps, following His example of sharing hope with the hopeless, and giving help to the helpless.

Yes, I have seen individual Christians as well as loving church families taken advantage of by those who know how to work the system. One church I served as pastor was located on a busy thoroughfare in a rather large metropolitan area. We were visited several times every week by individuals or families asking for a handout. After a while we began to notice that some of those dropping by for this purpose looked familiar, so we started keeping records of names, dates, and any other pertinent information we felt necessary to make wise decisions in giving assistance. It became obvious that there were many who simply worked in rotations, going from one church to another taking advantage of well-meaning ministries resources and compassion.

However, I’ve also seen many who were in genuine need. They desperately needed someone to give them a helping hand. They were not intentionally trying to defraud anyone, but were in a situation that was completely beyond their control. Usually, these were not the ones we see living on the streets, under bridges, sleeping in cardboard boxes or make-shift tents. No, these are the ones who have been hit hard by the unforeseen circumstances of life. They are not where they are by choice, but by the life-altering uncertainties that so often take us completely by surprise.

Years ago there was a catchy little phrase that sort of captured the minds and hearts of many sincere, well-meaning Christians: What Would Jesus Do? Many wore bracelets with the letters “WWJD” engraved or imprinted to serve as a constant reminder that I should pause and ask that question of myself before making a decision or engaging in an activity. I, personally, have paused and asked that question of myself on many occasions.

A while back I had the awesome privilege of seeing the work of Kevin Lilly. He was moved to engage in a ministry to the down and out. This lead to a mobile shower ministry for those living on the streets, and to a “Street Feet” ministry where a group of people would go into “tent villages” and truly minister to those in dire straits. He asked the question, “WWJD?”, and then he went out and did it. Was Kevin ever taken advantage of? Absolutely! Did that deter him from his work? Absolutely not!

We never know the circumstances or life situations that forced an individual or family to decide to live on the streets. Some, again, are there by choice. But the vast majority of them are not.

So, what are we to do? As an individual? As a family? As a church family? How are we to respond? Well, we could just turn a blind eye, a cold shoulder, and a deaf ear to the genuine cries for help. We could justify our actions by making the assumption that they could do better for themselves if they would just give some effort. And, perhaps that is true in some instances. But there are some individuals out there who are genuinely hurting, crying out for help, and the cries are falling on deaf ears, cold hearts, and blind eyes.

My challenge to each of us with this blog is to get back to asking the question: What would Jesus do? Then, seek His guidance in determining how I, we, might be the best representative for Him in the situation. In other words, let’s go about doing good.