Cups of Cold Water

Matthew 25:31-46

I don't worry too much about sin these days.  I used to feel really guilty about stuff when I was younger, and I still do at times, but just not as much.  I'm not sure why that is.  Maybe I don't sin so much anymore (doubt it) or maybe I'm come to realize that I'm forgiven and I don't need to sweat over it excessively.  What I sweat over nowadays isn't my personal righteousness, it's what I do and don't do for others.

In this parable of Jesus, he talks about the sheep and the goats being divided along the lines of those who did, and those who didn't.  Those who blessed others were rewarded, those who didn't, weren't.  It wasn't about who sinned and who didn't.  It was about who was a blessing and who wasn't.

Why I sweat over this is because I don't do anything.  I don't serve the poor, visit prisoners, etc., etc.  I don't do anything but work (at work and at home) and spend time with my family.  Those are good and important things, but where is the space for giving cups of cold water?  Or the motivation.  I don't want my life to be wasted on me and mine, if what Jesus has called us to is a life for them and theirs.  Above anything else, my lack of blessing others is what makes me feel unworthy and ashamed.