When I woke up this morning at approximately 3:00 a.m., the temperature outside was 21 degrees. The temperature on the inside of our home according to the wall thermostat was 85 degrees. The thermostat records the set temperature and the actual temperature. It was warm and toasty just like the family loves it. Cold weather months are not my favorite time of the year, for functioning in frigid weather is a downer. The reason it is 85 degrees is because the wood stove is burning around the clock.
This message is not about my comfort level, rather those who might have had to sleep out on the street last night because they had no other choice. If you travel the streets of Washington, D.C., you are sure to see some homeless persons sleeping on the grates. They gravitate to the grates to catch the heat that is being discharged. Sadly, attempts have been made to deter the homeless from sleeping on the grates. In some cases, spikes have been welded to the top of the grates and in other cases cages have been built around them. While we relax in the luxury of our homes, many homeless people find comfort sleeping on the grates. This is not written to put anyone on a guilt trip, rather to inform us of conditions homeless people adapt to while we complain.
If you are like me, it does not take much for my hands to get cold, but I have found a remedy for that also. The dollar store has some hand warmers that you put in your pocket that will provide you with plenty of heat. The next time you purchase some, purchase some for the homeless also.
Many homeowners are struggling due to the increased price of home heating fuel and increased electric bills. If we were to tell the truth, some of us are walking around in our homes with overcoats on. Why? Because we are trying to keep our budgets intact during this season of inflation. In my opinion, no one should have to be cold or hungry, for this nation is one of the richest in the world. We live out our good times in different ways and in different places, but let us help others so they may experience greater times. If you were in worship on Sunday, you will understand what I mean, if not you may have questions.
If you know of persons who are suffering due to the lack of heat, please let us know, for no one should have to endure severe cold conditions. It is going to get colder before it gets warmer.
There is something called spiritual warmth also. When your heart causes you to have a desire to providing or helping others in some small way, you are a victim of spiritual warmth. Spiritual warmth is no more than allowing God’s love to rise up in us so that we might change the lives of others. John Wesley described his heart as strangely warmed the day he found God. All Christians should have warm hearts, and it should reflect in our actions. We are living in a time when it appears that the world is bitterly coldhearted. Let now be a time to show a warm smile or give a warm handshake. Greater still is to show some love through your actions.
During this Thanksgiving week, show some spiritual warmth by doing something good for someone in need. I have been humbled over the last few weeks by persons who have given unconditionally for the purpose of providing for others. You just don’t know the magnitude of your spiritual warmth. Many persons have put their pride aside and received your gifts with open hands and arms. Thank you for your warm spirit.
Matthew 24:12 says, “In the last days lawlessness will be increased and the love of many will grow cold.” The apostle Paul encourages all believers to love and serve one another not only sacrificially but also enthusiastically: “Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” Romans 12:11
God comforts us with his love; therefore, he expects us to be a comfort to others. When we show love and comfort to others, we are displaying God’s love. Try being a blessing to someone else. Your spiritual warmth thermometer may rise.
Not a sermon, just my thoughts!
Robert Earl Slade, Pastor
