New Dimensions Magazine

Altruism: A Servant’s Call

As we begin this journey into a new year one might wonder what lies ahead. The first Black president elected in America, the global economic crisis, war and terrorism have all become common topics in households around the world. While these topics have filled many people’s thoughts and fueled their fears, we must not forget what we’ve been called to do. Have we forgotten about our brother’s and sister’s that need Christ? Are you willing to heed the call of being Altruistic? Webster’s dictionary defines Altruism as “an unselfish regard for or devotion to the welfare of others.” God has entrusted us with a noble responsibility and that is to show love towards our neighbor. To help win souls back to Christ we must be ready and willing to act.  Jesus is our perfect example for he said “the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister and to give his life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:35). In this context the word minister means servant or to serve. God has also called us to be servants.
God’s word is a blueprint we’ve been given to lead a holy, blessed and successful life, but why won’t most people listen? Have today’s current global issues and problems over crowded our minds? Or have past failures or stumbling blocks prevented us from receiving what God has intended for us? We must outreach. We must step out on faith. “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” (Romans 10:17).
No other time in our lives has afforded us such an opportunity as this. This is our chance to reveal even more of the Christ that is within us. As His ‘called people’, we must do what God expects.  Not only must we love God, but we must love our neighbor. When asked what is the great commandment? Jesus gave two. “Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment. And the second is like unto it, Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself” (Matthew 22:37-39).
Jesus further illustrates how we can put these commandments in action. “Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand. Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was hungry and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee hungry, and fed thee? Or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? Or naked , and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren ye have done it unto me” (Matthew 25:34-40). There is a blessing waiting on you when you live by and obey God’s word.

So how can you embody the spirit of altruism? Volunteering your time is a great way to start. Financial contributions, donating food, clothes and transportation are also ways you can serve and assist others in their life. These are just a few ways we can spread God’s love. What’s especially important though is no matter how we choose to be servants unto others, include giving of your time. That personal contact you have with the one your helping gives them a direct connection to the body of Christ. You can start at home, in your church, on your job or in you neighborhood where you can volunteer or perform community services. There are many opportunities to reach the elderly, children, as well as offenders making the transition from prison back into our communities. Get online and you’ll find many listings for organizations that will help you find volunteer opportunities. Take out sometime to spend with your relatives and friends that could use a spiritual uplifting. There is always peace, love and hope in God’s word so share it!
As the salt of the earth we have been given a precious task that we must not take lightly. “Ye are the salt of the earth but if the salt have lost his savor, wherewith shall it be salted? It is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13). “Salt is good: but if the salt have lost his saltness, wherewith will ye season it? Have salt in yourselves, and have peace one with another” (Mark 9:50).
So as we begin this journey into a new time let us look to Christ as our perfect example of what it means to be altruistic. For many believe that true altruism is not rewarded or contingent upon being rewarded, but in spite of it, God has prepared a blessing for you. Do not get caught up in the world’s current bleak outlook, for it has only led us to a place where the Christ in us can be manifested. As Paul wrote, “For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7).

Antwan Gilkey