Galatians 6:6-10 Let him that is taught in the word communicate unto him that teacheth in all good things. 7) Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. 8) For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. 9) And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. 10) As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
A mother was preparing pancakes for her two young sons, Kevin and Ryan. The boys began arguing over who would get the first pancake. The mother scolded them, and then took the opportunity to relay some moral truths to her children.
“What would Jesus do if He were here?” asked the mother. The boys shrugged their shoulders in unison. “Jesus would insist that his brother take the first pancake,” she told them. “And then he would wait for the next one.” The boys nodded, and the mother felt confident that her lesson had taken. She turned her back and continued baking, but soon heard her oldest boy whispering to the younger one, “Ryan, you be Jesus.”
It’s a cute story, but at times it hits a little too close to home, doesn’t it? How often do you and I see an opportunity for good and instead of acting, we wait for someone else to play the part of Jesus? Ever cast your eyes downward in a meeting hoping someone else will volunteer for the sacrificial jobs? Ever looked the other way when a brother in need walked past you? Ever passed the buck to a deacon when news of a needy family came your way? “I’m a little busy at the moment. Why don’t you be Jesus?”
Paul said don’t get “weary in well doing” (v.9). It’s easy to let others be Jesus for us, but a true follower doesn’t pass on that responsibility when it comes. Jesus expects more from us than we often expect from ourselves. Sacrifice means getting involved, not just getting others to do it.