Make Room

Ezekiel 16:49 “Behold, this was the guilt of your sister Sodom: she and her daughters had pride, excess of food, and prosperous ease, but did not aid the poor and needy.”

There is a lot to unpack in this verse and one can draw many parallels with the guilt of Sodom and western societies. First world countries might consider themselves progressive, living in the age of reason, and the best we’ve ever been. Therefore we succumb to pride about our scientific, political, economic, and educational development. First world countries often have food in plenty, but we aren’t wise with how we manage food. Much of it goes to waste and is not shared with those in need. Prosperous ease can be found everywhere from multiple cars, multiple TVs, multiple houses, multiple vacations, and everything in excess. For all this prosperity, we have somehow lost the desire or inclination to help those in need.

While these may seem like unsolvable high level problems, we can make personal choices which have ripple effects throughout the society we live in. The first thing we can do personally is practice and focus on humility over pride. Can we really praise ourselves over our achievements when compared to God?

Are we able to donate to food drives or share food with the hungry? Instead of throwing things out, maybe we can donate them?

Similarly with our prosperous ease and conveniences, perhaps we can use our possessions to help those in need. Instead of trading in that old car, can we give it to a friend or family member in need? Instead of selling our old TV, phone, tablet, computer, is there someone else who could use these resources for their employment or school, but might not be able to afford it themselves?

Making these small changes can have ripple effects on other people. They may be inspired by your faith and good works and then decide to make these small changes in their own life. The Holy Spirit may use your decisions to fulfill His purpose in your life and the lives of others. Philippians 2:12-13 “Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”

There should be room in our hearts to help other people with however little or much we have. Will you make room in your heart to help others?

Lord have mercy on me. Help me to make room in my heart to help others.