Then those ‘goats’ are going to say, “Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry or thirsty or homeless or shivering or sick or in prison and didn’t help?” He will answer them, “I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you failed to do one of these things to someone who was being overlooked or ignored, that was me—you failed to do it to me.” Then those ‘goats’ will be herded to their eternal doom, but the ‘sheep’ to their eternal reward. [Matthew 25:44-46 (MSG)]

It’s easy to feel self-righteous when we confess. After all, we haven’t murdered anyone nor do we steal from the bank or our employer. Our lives are quite comfortable so most of us haven’t coveted anything of our neighbors. We don’t worship (or make) any idols, we regularly call our parents, and rarely even swear. Moreover, we keep the Sabbath day by attending church (more or less regularly). Granted, we could be holding a bit of a grudge and might gossip a little over coffee, but all in all, we think we behave pretty well. But, do we?

We must ask ourselves how well we cared for those in need, the neglected and impoverished, the defenseless and broken. That’s the question God will ask us. When that final judgment comes, and it will, where will we go? Will we go with the sheep, those who loved and cared for their brothers and sisters, or with the goats, those who ignored their need?

Listen to this, you who walk all over the weak, you who treat poor people as less than nothing, who say, “When’s my next paycheck coming so I can go out and live it up? How long till the weekend when I can go out and have a good time?” Who give little and take much, and never do an honest day’s work. You exploit the poor, using them—and then, when they’re used up, you discard them. … “On Judgment Day, watch out!” These are the words of God, my Master. [Amos 8:4-6,9a (MSG)]