One of the most memorable stories I recall about the difference in heaven and hell came from a sermon I heard growing up over twenty five years ago by Pastor Bill Reid at Shandon UMC in Columbia, SC.
As I remember it, there were two identical dining rooms with people sitting around the tables. Both had plenty of food but it was out of reach and their only eating utensils were really long spoons strapped to their arms and neither table could feed themselves.
Those around the first table were very hungry and looked unhealthy; they were quiet, disgruntled, distrusting, and sulking about their dilemma. Those around the second table looked well fed and happy; they were talking and laughing with each other.
What made the difference?
The first table could not see past themselves and had no apparent interest in how the others at the table were doing or how they could help them. Those at the second table noticed that their spoons could reach the food and actually feed someone across the table and they chose to help each other and care about those around them.
Pastor Ben’s current sermons keep reminding me of this analogy. People at St. Mark’s UMC and others are concerned about their own circumstances during these very uncertain times, but as Christ followers we are reaching out to help all we can and stretching ourselves in faith to show we believe that God will provide.
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for our abundance of blessings and the many opportunities we have to share and show care for all your creation. May we always remember that when we take the focus off ourselves we can make a difference in Christ’s call to “feed my sheep” in what ever form (physically, mentally and spiritually) that is needed. We pray this in Christ’s name. Amen.
