Whose Needs Are Being Met?

Galatians 6:2,3 – Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the laws of Christ. For if a man think himself to be something when he is nothing, he deceiveth himself. (KJV)
Ephesians 4:23 – And be renewed in the spirit of your mind. (KJV)

One of the most important things we were taught in our training as Hospice volunteers was to ask ourselves in each instance: "Whose needs are being met?" In other words, is what we are doing for our benefit, or for the benefit of someone else? And, of course, it shouldn't be for ours.

Last week, there was a horrific airplane crash by Peggy's Cove, Halifax, Canada.

As we watched the story unfold, and listened to the news reports, we were heartened by the boaters who immediately went out to help, the townsfolk who opened their hearts and homes and the initial responses of respect.

However, later on, an anchorperson, reporting on the many who were now on the scene, suggested that as humans, they were probably "compelled by curiosity". I'd like to believe that the greatest majority were there because they were compelled by compassion and were trying to meet the needs of those who could use their help, rather than their own need for curiosity.

Ultimately, we should be striving to meet God's needs as they apply to us. Perhaps we should be asking, "Are His needs for us being met?" Is what we are doing, serving our fellow mankind as He would have us serve them? Have we indeed renewed the spirit of our mind?

Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, be with us in our decisions to help others. Help us always to choose wisely, to think about our reasons for helping, and in so doing, selflessly bear each other's burdens. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.