and i will show you my faith by what i do

last summer i worked at a summer camp at a local elementary school. being amongst the first there on this particular morning i was assigned the task of moving, for whatever the reason, a rather heavy shelf (on wheels) from one spot in the cafeteria to another. there was one child present at this moment, amongst the directors and myself. i began my task. within moments Rosea (the child present) asked if she could help me. i consented to her helping me move the shelf and she smiled. she put both hands and walked at the same speed as the shelf was moving, and with much contentment on her part the shelf moved.. notably not any faster or with any more ease on my part.
i realized that although her help was not necessary, and barely any help at all, it gave her a defining sense of self and purpose. A feeling that could not be replicated simply by playing with dolls, or building with blocks, something that could only be created by her doing something outside of herself.. venturing into the world of adults, a world which to children is as mysterious as it is romanticized and unknown.
i later realized that it is the same way with God. he doesn't need our help, being all knowing and all powerful, he doesn't realistically need anything that humans can give. however, God lets us help. not for his sake, but for ours.
we have a great opportunity and yet we sit on our hands.
we have the privilege and ability to serve

Matthew 25:40
"The King will reply, 'I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.'

also:

James 2:18
But someone will say, "You have faith; I have deeds." Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.