Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. Proverbs 3:5
There is a song that I’ve sung in our church that has become a request when someone is troubled, sick or spiritually drained. That song is the old seventies hit “Lean on Me”.
I’ve always loved that song, long before I was a Christian, but never associated it with Christianity. In fact, I was self conscience when I felt the tug to learn it so I could perform it in front of a congregation! I knew of the above verse and felt I should be telling others to forget about yourself and only trust and lean on Christ. It’s clear the above verse is saying to lean on God (Christ), so isn’t it wrong to tell someone to lean on me when they need help? Well, I felt the Holy Spirit impress upon me that if He lives in all Christians, Jesus dwells in us, and the Spiritual Kingdom of God resides in us, then we should expect people to lean on us!
Our life may be the only bible someone will ever see; Christ’s example through us might be the tipping point in one accepting Christ. Others might be curiously drawn to you for answers. So it is OK, when people are hurting or lost, to tell them they can lean on you, they can trust you and believe you speak the truth. Why? Because you have Christ Jesus in your heart! Then you can use your testimony and the Gospel to bring them to Christ. Remember, we need an open door to get into a broken house!
Ephesians 6:20 states For which I am an ambassador in bonds: that therein I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. An ambassador is a representative for a country and the ambassador speaks for his country in official matters and negotiations. We, as ambassadors of Christ, represent Him and the Kingdom of God in this world. We have the authority to represent Jesus to those in need, because He is in our hearts.
Jesus said if we fed the poor, visited the prisoners and tended to the sick, we have done it also to Him. So we Christians should be telling our family, friends, neighbors and communities then can lean on us when times look bleak or they hurt. It should go beyond helping in disasters; it should begin with just a neighborly question such as “How are you?”
I always ended our old radio program with “Now go and be a good witness for Christ”. How much more will Jesus use us, making us a good witness if we would only be open to allowing someone to lean on us, so we can point them to the One who truly will give them the ultimate help, salvation!
Timothy 6:12,13 tells us Fight the good fight of faith, lay hold on eternal life, whereunto thou art also called, and hast professed a good profession before many witnesses. I give thee charge in the sight of God, who quickeneth all things, and before Christ Jesus, who before Pontius Pilate witnessed a good confession;
Sometimes we need to get the mud out of our heads and open ourselves up to God’s direction. Because I was afraid I was putting myself before Jesus, I was concerned about singing that song. That was until I knew it was the Lord’s will, because He showed me that He expects me to be a leaning post for others. Giving myself is what helps devour the flesh and causes me to lean on HIM more for strength and understanding. So “Lean on me, when you’re not strong, and I’ll be your friend, I’ll help you carry on….” because I have someone I want you to meet!
