Picture a scene in which a major storm hits your community. Your youth group is having an overnight sleep-in at the church. All power is knocked out. Phones are not working. The church has not been damaged, but you can hear sirens and know that there is considerable damage in the area.
Ordinary individuals sacrifice their safety, even their lives, to serve others.
The gospel lesson for today clearly sets forth the command that Christians are to serve others, without regard for personal safety or convenience. And anyone who gives you a cup of water in my name, just because you belong to me, will surely be rewarded. Each of us should be a missionary in and to the world, no matter how great the sacrifice. The reward for sacrifices that we undergo in service is the knowledge that we are obeying God's command, as expressed by Jesus. There really is no alternative, if we say we believe.