Another of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, spoke up, “Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?” Jesus said, “Have the people sit down.” There was plenty of grass in that place, and they sat down (about five thousand men were there). Jesus then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He did the same with the fish. When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, “Gather the pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted. So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
John 6:8-13 (NIV)
A breakfast of scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and fried potatoes awaited church volunteers who ate before or after their serving times.
My friend, Mike, and I picked up our plates and waited until the disheveled man in front of us finished heaping food on his plate. He grabbed a ketchup bottle and squeezed a blob onto his food.
A week earlier, Mike and I decided we needed ketchup so we were glad someone had brought a bottle of it.
When the man started towards the door with the condiment in his hand, I asked, “Is there any more ketchup?”
His answer shocked me. Without even a glance at me, he said “I bought it.” Then he left with the bottle in hand.
We shook our heads. I couldn’t believe his selfishness. I was too stunned to answer.
For years, the rumpled man has appeared soon after breakfast is set out. He doesn’t volunteer and rarely talks to anyone. I have never seen him attend a service but he loves the food.
When I have tried to engage him in conversation, he ignores me or gives one word.
I assumed he was homeless but found out he isn’t and does have a job.
All week the scenario played in my mind. Should someone tell him he is selfish? Should we let him continue to be that way? Which would be most helpful?
As I pondered his deplorable behavior, God spoke to me about my own attitudes. Am I selfish about my resources and time? Is my time more valuable to me than comforting someone who is grieving? Do I ignore a person who grates on my nerves because I don’t want to waste my time? Are my desires more important than helping a friend in need? Do I avoid a difficult situation because it might be uncomfortable to me? Do I grab ahold of what God has given me and hold tightly?
My behavior might not be as blatant as the man at church but selfish just the same. Perhaps our breakfast is the best meal of his week. Maybe he has trouble relating to people and doesn’t know what to say. Hopefully, being at church, seeing Christians who let him have a meal might lead him to Jesus.
Alan used to say, “We never know what others are going through.”
I am glad I didn’t say anything to him because I don’t want to be a barrier to someone accepting and loving Jesus.
God used the man’s inconsiderate behavior to make me look at myself.
Lord, you can use all kinds of situations to teach us how we should be living. Thank you for helping me not speak and learning from what I saw. Each day, show me how to be more like you. Amen.
