What’s Your Answer?

I stood like a statue in my bathroom. The cold floor beneath my feet sent a chill through my veins making the warmth of bed even more appealing. But, I knew. I knew one crucial decision remained.

The day had been long. The demands high. And the bed, oh how it called my name! With pjs on and eyes half shut the logical thing to do would be race for the sheets that would tuck me in till morning. The only thing was … I hadn’t brushed my teeth.

And, let me be clear, this is no problem for me. At the end of a long day, if I happen to forget this one minor detail I can still rest my head easy and do it in the morning. My husband, however, does not share my opinion.

No, he’s more like the brush-your-teeth police at my house. And I know .. I KNOW he’s gonna ask.

Just as I find that sweet spot on my pillow, he’ll roll over and pretend to be kissing me on the cheek, but instead he’ll whisper in my ear, “Did you brush your teeth?”

I’m serious! This happens in my house, often. If he, himself, does not witness me brushing my teeth before bed, he will ask. And then I have to answer. I can’t lie. If I did in fact skip this part of the bedtime routine, then I will have to leave the comfort of my bed, step back onto the cold floor and brush my teeth.

So, on this night, those words rang in my ears, he’s gonna ask. I endured the cold floor for a few minutes more and brushed my teeth, so I could confidently say when my sweet, but stubborn, husband asked, “Yes dear, I brushed my teeth.”

And the King will answer them, ‘I assure you: Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of Mine, you did for Me.'” Matthew 25:40 (HCSB)

In Matthew 25, Jesus paints a picture of the day we stand before Him and give an account of our lives. He tells His people, Come on! Take your inheritance in God’s kingdom,

For I was hungry and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you took care of Me; I was in prison and you visited Me.'” Matthew 25:35-36 (HCSB)

Jesus’ words remind me, He’s gonna ask.

When I see Him face to face, I will have to answer for what I did with this short life. Did I care for those who needed help or hustle by with my agenda on my mind? Did I push past the awkwardness and approach the outsiders who I felt I had nothing in common with? Did I humble myself to sit with the sick and pray for or visit the oppressed?

He’s gonna ask.

So, maybe the better question to consider before we tuck ourselves under the covers each night is, what did I do for Jesus today? Because I know, no matter how cold the floor, no matter how uncomfortable the task, I’ll want to have an answer for Jesus.

But I’ll still brush my teeth, too!

Leave a comment! Sometimes it’s hard to find ways to serve Jesus outside our daily routines. Share with us a any creative ways you seek to serve others and reach them with Jesus’ love!