Least Of These

Matthew 25:35-40

” For I was hungry and you gave me food; I was thirsty and you gave me drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me. I was sick and you visited me; I was in prison and you came and visited me” The righteous will answer Him saying, “Jesus, when did we see You hungry and feed you? Or thirsty and give You drink? When did we see You a stranger and take you in, or naked and clothe You? Or when did we see you sick or in prison and come to You? And the King answered and say to them ” Assuredly, I say to you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to Me”

Applying this to our daily lives, arises the question of “who is the least of these?” Surfers tend to be inherently selfish. We paddle out trying get the most out of our surf session. The thought on how to make someone else’s day brighter usually never crosses our minds.

All humans were made in the image of God. He created everything but made us, in His image. Jesus calls Christians to love on the least of these because, we are all a reflection of Him. We need to be treating those in need, those who can not speak for themselves, or those who are strangers with dignity, respect, and kindness. As followers of Christ, we need to be living this out and in the water.

The novice surfing pearling on every wave or snaking everyone (unbeknownst to them). Are we taking the time to give them pointers or teach them surf etiquette? Most of us paddle as far away as possible or roll our eyes in disgust. Or the homeless crew living under the pier, leaving the beach a bit of mess. These are people we interact with or see every time we are at the beach. In a sense, they are both examples of those who are in need. The novice is thirsting for knowledge. The homeless is thirsting for more.

Now, I am not saying to put yourself at risk. But I am saying, how you treat others is a reflection on how you are treating Christ. Take thought on this as we go about our week, on how we can care for the least of these.

Image by: Nate Ennis