"Those other people"

"I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me." (Matthew 25:40).

Jesus commands that we care for the poor, clothe the naked, feed the hungry, provide for the needy.  These things are characteristic of kingdom citizens.  Believers have for centuries created programs to meet the needs of "the least of these" and it continues today.  Homeless shelters have been established, job training seminars are conducted, food pantries are established, adoption is on the rise.

Although believers are doing an admirable job in reaching out to those who are less established economically, I believe we are only obeying part of this command from Christ when we do these things.

Notice that Jesus used the word "brothers" in Matthew 25:40.  The "least of these" aren't always those outside of our fellowship circles who do without.  Often, the very ones that Jesus refers to are those in the body of Christ who we consider "least" because that's how we view them.  Let me explain.

I have observed - and have been guilty of participating in - the marginalization of those in other denominations.  Baptists view Presbyterians with suspicion, Lutherans aren't crazy about Methodists, and we all gang up on those non-denominational types.  When local churches within our own denominations are doing great things, we often look upon them with a touch of jealousy and disdain rather than celebrating with them.  As one who spent almost half of his life in student ministry, I can report first-hand that fellow youth pastors often refused to "combine forces" to accomplish a greater good for the gospel.  Too many times we are so hung up on our own church agendas that we don't even contemplate walking side-by-side with "those other people."  Not all churches or denominations can be categorized this way, but enough can.

Before we castigate all churches and denominations, let's take a closer look within our own circles of fellowship.  Have you ever been resentful of others in your own church who are given greater responsibilities than you or who God seems to truly be moving in?  Do you fully rejoice with fellow brothers and sisters over their blessings and successes or are you fuming inside with jealousy and bitterness?  We are prone to "one up" each other to make our own growth or desires look better than the next guy's.  Again, not all believers behave this way, but enough do.

Let's finish with a happy story.  When I took the youth pastor position at a church back in 2001, I was immediately told to contact another local youth pastor named Derik Davis who was serving at a sister church down the road.  We immediately formed a connection and our youth groups combined on numerous occasions so that we can reach a greater swathe of students.  Not long after meeting Derik I was introduced to Chris Hauser, another local youth pastor.  For over nine years Chris and I combined our resources, volunteer base, and vision to reach out to students in our county and beyond.  Not once was it a competition to see who could grab a few new students for our youth ministries.  We honestly didn't care where the students went to church as long as they went to a place where the truth was proclaimed.  It didn't matter if my group was bigger than his or vice versa, we split the responsibilities and costs down the middle.  As a result of our commitment to co-hosting events and mission opportunities, we saw students come to Christ at Fifth Quarter events following football games, authentic worship expressed at concerts, homes being reach with the gospel while hosting a mission trip in our town, and neighbors being loved on at community celebrations. 

"Those other people" are fellow believers in Christ.  Their denomination may not be the same as ours and they may enjoy more personal accolades than you do, but they share the same faith in Christ.  It's time to look past trivial divisions and differences for the advancement of the gospel of Jesus Christ.