Service During Crisis (Article)

SERVICE DURING CRISIS (Article) by Dr. Abidan Shah

(Published in the newspaper Daily Dispatch, Henderson on May 5, 2020)

(This article is an adaptation of Day 19 from the devotional written by my wife Nicole and me titled “30 Days Through a Crisis.” It is available through Amazon and locally at Hill’s Music, Henderson.)

It’s no accident that in times of crises, we see the worst of human nature. Instead of demonstrating compassion toward others, people grab, snatch, and claw their way to whatever they want without any regard for others–even for something as trivial as toilet paper! Why do people behave like this? Could it be that, under pressure, our true nature reveals itself?

As believers, we are called to demonstrate Christ during times of crisis. While the world is resorting to selfishness, we are to serve others in the name of Jesus. This has always been the mark of believers. When people would abandon their families and neighbors because of a plague or epidemic, Christians stayed behind to care for those who couldn’t care for themselves. Even today, Christian missionaries and relief workers go places where others would never set foot. Why? Because we are called to be the Good Samaritan who took care of the Jewish man, his sworn enemy. There is no greater antidote for selfishness than acts of service toward others.

Let us take a look at our own lives. How are we serving others during times of crisis? Chances are, there are people around us who are going through something worse than we can possibly imagine. Are we willing to step out of our comfort zone and be the light of Christ in a dark world for someone? Serving others will not only put our own suffering in perspective, but it will also serve as an antidote to pride and selfishness. Today, we must stop asking God why we are going through our crises and begin asking Him to show us opportunities to serve others.

Scriptures to Think On:

But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil. Therefore be merciful, just as your Father also is merciful. Luke6:35-36

But whoever desires to become great among you shall be your servant. And whoever of you desires to be first shall be slave of all. For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many. Mark 10:43b-45

Pure and undefiled religion before God and the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their trouble, and to keep one self unspotted from the world. James1:27

As you meditate on these scriptures, ask God to open your eyes to the needs around you. Start sharing with those in need and see how God will share his grace and mercy with you.