A Helping Hand or a Powerful Calling?

So, I know it's been a while but i'm back haha. So I've been trying to live like Jesus as I know I should. However, I tend to fail much more often than I find comforting. But I have noticed something. Though it may seem that I am the only one in my immediate surroundings attempting this well-rewarded feat, i'm not alone. and i'm not just talking about the Lord.

An example for instance, is a co-worker of mine by the name of Nick. We constantly remind each other "Job 31:1" whenever a pretty girl walks into the store. This is an accountability thing, I have always known the man to be a Follower of Christ but I never even considered him as an accountability partner untill he called me on that verse one day.

Job 31:1 "I made a covenant with my eyes not to look lustfully at a girl."

I've always wondered how such a simple verse can hold such hope and power, until I was called on it. As a Christ-Follower I believe we are called to hold all the promises and decrees made by our brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the Bible, even if that is a very strong statement I strongly believe in it. Now the question in my mind is, "Whenever we decide to help a brother or sister, is it because we think of it as just helping out a friend, or is this really our calling?"

I have always been taught that it is a calling, so now the question is, Why is it a calling? Is it because they are commiting a sin and we will be held resposible for their falling as stated in Ezekial 3?

Ezekial 3:20 "Again, when a righteous man turns from his righteousness and does evil, and I put a stumbling block before him, he will die. Since you did not warn him, he will die for his sin. The righteous things he did will not be remembered, and I will hold you accountable for his blood."

Or is it because we can help each other grow as stated in Proverbs 27?

Proverbs 27:17 "As iron sharpens iron, so one man sharpens another."

My Opinion is that they are both reasons. But, instead of helping because we are afraid of being held responsible for their downfall (Ezekial 3) I think we should help because all the righteous things they do would be forgotten and their heavenly reward lessened or stripped (I have yet to decide which it is speaking of yet; Opinions greatly appreciated).

Now, when you try to help someone by being accountable it doesn't have to be something like telling them they are doing something sinful like when us brothers fall into the temptation of lust. It can simply be letting someone know they are doing a great work for heaven.

There is a man who will periodically come into the Grocery store I work at named Kyle. This guy, everytime I talk to him I can promise you, the Holy Spirit and attitude of Christ just seem to overflow out of him. The first time I met him for instance, was on the day before Super Bowl Sunday. When he came through my line I asked him if he was excited for tomorrow (hinting at the game) at which point he responded, "Yeah man! Church is tomorrow!"

So hold up a minute...at this point i'm just completely blown away. Did he just say church? He didn't even seem concerned with the game in any way, this man was truly stoked about going to church and worshipping God. Well, throughout the months that Kyle comes through the store, every single time he comes, he has the same attitude, and everytime I see him I hear this same small whisper "Well done my good and faithful servant." And I keep thinking," Who am I to tell this man that? I don't even know his name." and I continually miss the opportunity.

Finally, one day when I am bagging I see him again and i get the same feeling. This time however, I worked up the courage to walk after him and I catch up with him at the back of the store. Shaking from head to toe from nervousness (or so I thought) I approached him and simply told him that I was thankful God had given me this ever present reminder through him in time of need that it wasn't about me and my life but how I shined God's light to the world through how I acted. and I thanked him for just being a great example. This seemed to blow him off his feet as much as our first meeting did me. At that moment I heard that same small whisper again "Well done my good and faithful servan," only this time, I felt it was aimed to me.

So i'm not sure what that long story accomplished but only to say, I see that as the reason for my believe that we are called to lend a helping hand and raise each other up.

God Bless,

Jared