Responding Without Compensation

Over the past week, I was contacted by someone in the Clokey Park neighborhood needing assistance in the mowing of her lawn. Two years ago, she received assistance on our Decatur Miracle Day with windows that needed to be scrapped and painted. As it is with every Miracle Day project we do, work and supplies are provided to the homeowner at no cost.

I thought about this recent request and decided to simply contact her, show up with my lawn mower, and mow her lawn, without charge or compensation. When I arrived, she was surprised at my offer, since she had tried all possible agencies to find a youth or group who would mow, and had previously paid a neighbor to trim down her "hay field."  I finished the yard (including the hay field), and only asked for a glass of water and a few minutes in her air conditioning. She gladly provided sweet iced tea and I was able to recouperate and have a nice conversation with another "neighbor."

During our conversation, she commented how limited it is that people help others without expecting some cash for services.  I certainly agreed, but felt my assistance to her also helped me in my faith journey. I do not recall a single episode in the Gospels where Jesus asked for compensation following a healing, a feeding, or other miracle. Certainly it was a different time, but I have come to discover two truths in life: it is not always going to be like it is, and it was not always the way it is now. Some things continue, some things fade away.

What would it be for a church to respond in service without expecting any kind of "compensation?" Whether it is appearance in a worship service, becoming a "member," or sending money, there is still this idea of some kind of exchange. I must admit it was refreshing to do something without one thought of compensation.

And I will continue to help her and her lawn without compensation. Yard work can be therapeutic. For Jesus, only one (and a SAMARITAN) leper returned to thank him for the healing. Why should I expect anything more?

Ponder Points

• How often do we serve only to get paid?
• How often does the church "bait and switch" in order to gain "members"?
• How much should we extend "no obligation" to the strangers among us?