By Dave Frodsham, lead elder, Jubilee Church Wirral

“Try to leave this world a little better than you found it.”

This statement reminds us that it is important for us all to take responsibility for the environment we live in and do our best to be good stewards of God’s creation. 

We also need to keep looking for opportunities to serve others when we can. I have seen people going above and beyond over the last couple of years, being “good neighbours” as they seek to serve one another.

However, we need to be doing this in all situations we find ourselves in.

Who tidies up at the end of the group or meeting you have attended?
Who gets rid of the rubbish?
Who is going to pick up that litter in the street or clean that mess up at work?
Who gets the milk?
Who is going to check on the older lady you haven’t seen for ages?

It might be someone else’s responsibility but why not help out and bless the place where you are today? Not so everyone knows – just so God sees!

In the Bible it says: But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. (Matthew 6:3–4)

Jesus also teaches not to seek retaliation but to give generously and graciously even to the person with evil intent.

“And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles.” (Matt 5:41)

At the time, a Roman soldier could order a Jewish civilian to carry his bags for one Roman mile and then they could drop it, so here Jesus is saying even if you don’t have to do it, go further than is required.

Be generous, be serving and go beyond what you have been asked. There is a principle here that in all things, rather than trying to just do what is required we look to do more, to be better.

I remember talking to a local Christian car dealer about his car showroom. He wanted to be the best car dealership in the area and so he just provided better customer service. He went beyond what other garages were doing to provide an excellent service – a lounge area for waiting with fresh coffee, biscuits and early morning bacon sandwiches.

What are you doing with the opportunities that God has given you, even if they seem small in comparison?

In the parable of the talents those who invested what the master had given them were rewarded with:

“Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful over a little; I will set you over much. Enter into the joy of your master.”  (Matt 25:23)

So, wherever you find yourself, try and leave it better than you found it and God will bless you.

Much love,
Dave

Dave Frodsham, Jubilee Church Wirral