Let Me Help
Bill E. Smith
Oklahoma City, OK
8/5/98
Let Me Help!
I was a young preacher, just out of school, and it was my first full-time job at preaching. I was doing all the right things.
Sister Cosand, an elderly member of the congregation, was reported home ill, and I went to visit her. We visited together. I read to her from the Psalms, and we had a prayer together. As I readied myself to leave, I asked,
Is there anything you need? Expecting to hear the usual, “No, thank you, Brother Smith, I’m making it just fine.” I was shocked when she replied,
Well, yes, Brother Smith, there is. I took sick after lunch Sunday and never did get to wash my dishes. They are still in the sink. What could I do after that but take off my suit coat, roll up my white shirt sleeves and wash her dirty dishes!
This good sister will never know how she changed my ministry that day. After that, when I visited shut-ins, or ill, and asked the question and got the usual answer, I would press them...
Now, I know there is something I can do... And I would suggest a few possible needs they might have. I ended up taking out garbage to the alley through deep snow; running to the store for milk; paying an overdue bill; shaving a man; and a dozen other kinds of things. When people realized I was serious in my offer to help, they let me.
What I am trying to say is, people have needs and want your help, but only if you really want to help them.
Let me know if you need me will not get you involved. You can feel safe saying that. But when you sit down and look someone in the eyes and say,
I’m concerned. I don’t know what to do and you may not want me to become involved, but I care and I pray you will let me help if I can! That will get results!
I could talk about the joy you will receive, the joy you will give the person, or the joy you will give your Father by such service to those in need, but I’d rather remind you that in this manner you become like your Savior.
Now that I, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also should wash one another's feet. I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you. I tell you the truth, no servant is greater than his master, nor is a messenger greater than the one who sent him. Now that you know these things, you will be blessed if you do them.
John 13.10-17
—Bill E. Smith
Oklahoma City, OK
