It’s easy to undersell the importance of your actions. Sometimes it’s out of humility. Sometimes it’s out of a desire to not be responsible. Either way, it’s easy to say, “Well, what I do isn’t that important. It doesn’t make that much difference. It isn’t a big deal.”

       Jesus tells a story about the final judgment. He says that those who get into heaven are getting in because when they saw Jesus hungry, they fed him. When they saw Jesus thirsty, they gave him something to drink. When he was naked, they clothed him. And when Jesus was in prison, they visited Jesus. 

       Naturally, the crowd says, “When did we ever see you in need Jesus and do these things?” And Jesus responds in Matthew 25:40, “40 “I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!” Kind actions we take to the “least of these” can often feel inconsequential. Jesus says, “That was me you did that to. Surely you don’t think kindness to me is inconsequential?”

       When you make sure the communion is ready so that the individual who is struggling with their faith might join us in remembering their savior’s death, you’re preparing communion for Jesus. When you’re chasing kids in the nursery, or helping lead in the preschool or FCC Kids room, or helping out on Wednesday night by loving on kids and teaching about Jesus, your not just “being nice to kids.” You’re loving on Jesus himself. And when you greet someone who’s worried about showing up at church, you’re greeting Jesus and making Jesus feel welcome.

       When you volunteer, you’re not just helping the church out. You are engaging in ministry. Real, authentic, actual ministry. Don’t sell what you’re doing short. You are doing kindness to the least of these who show up on Sunday morning. You are doing kindness to Jesus!