IAK at Central
There is a currently popular
idea, and even a foundation called “Random
Acts of Kindness.” It is known by the acrostic
RAK. The Random Acts of Kindness Foundation says, “We are
dedicated to spreading kindness.” And that’s a good thing!
We certainly need be more kind to one another. Kindness is
a fruit of the Spirit – Galatians 5:22; Paul says to “put
on tender mercies and kindness” – Colossians 3:12, and
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted” – Ephesians
4:32.
Maybe it’s just me, but the term “random” seems to suggest
something done in haph
azard
or hit-or-miss sort of way. In fact my dictionary defines
“random” as “occurring without definite aim, reason, or
pattern.” So, does kindness need to be
random, or
intentional?
We have
a congregation of God’s people here at Central which is
committed to “acts
of kindness!” And it happens regularly, often,
and repeatedly. But I want you to know they are
not done
haphazardly, without
definite aim, reason, or pattern! Rather they are acts
which happen deliberately,
and with great purpose!
And that is because the Christians in this church are people
with wonderfully generous hearts! And they are people whose
spiritual eyes and hearts are open and attentive to the
plights and needs of others! So, I want to say that
here at Central we
practice IAK – INTENTIONAL Acts of Kindness!
I
will not name names, nor relate any specifics, but I want
you to be aware of just some
of the things which have happened just this week in this
church… and I am sure that I know only a
fraction of what really
goes on.
-
Because of our present economic situation, one of our sweet
families was about to lose their home to foreclosure. They
prayed with fellow-Christians, and God provided! A number
of kind-hearted brothers and sisters stepped up, ready to
take care of the whole situation, and their house was
saved! Other things needed were provided, too. Praise
God! It was not “random!” It was deliberate and
intentional!
-
Two ladies in our community came to the church in need of
food and clothes; of course they received. But in the
course of the conversation with our Benevolence worker that
day, they related how that there was very little heat in the
older mobile home in which they lived, and their little girl
who slept in the back room stayed very cold at night. This
brother said, “I can help.” So he brought an electric
heater from his own home for them. They picked it up just
this morning, and they were so
grateful! That act of kindness was not “random!” It was
deliberate and intentional!
-
A young man in another state who has great ability to
preach, had opportunity to work with a very small and
struggling church who cannot provide any compensation for
his work. But one of the adult Sunday School classes here
at Central is going to provide some monthly support for this
young man so the Gospel can be preached in that place. What
a great act of kindness for that struggling church, and for
that young gospel preacher! And that was
not a “random” act of
kindness. It was deliberate and intentional! Praise God
for kind and generous hearts.
-
A missionary to Ukraine came and presented to the
congregation last Wednesday a huge need for financial
support for orphans there. I am not sure how many accepted
the challenge, but several did, and agreed to give monthly
so these children can have food, clothes, and a place to
live.
All
IAK’s (Intentional Acts of Kindness)!
Those are just four of hundreds! And there are many, many
others… too numerous to list. And I am positive that there
are many IAK’s that are not
known, because loving and giving hearts don’t want
notoriety. They are exemplary of what Jesus said in Matthew
6 about not doing their acts of kindness to be seen of
others. I love you, Central, for your quiet, but
powerful Intentional
Acts of Kindness!
You are SO special -- Ronnie
