![]() During these days of Covid-19, it is easy to become selfish in our focus. Face-coverings, gloves, and “sheltering in place” could make us begin to think only of our best interest. Of course, safety precautions are a wise step in the day we live, but do not let them make you forget the people around you. General William Booth lay on his deathbed during the annual conference of the Salvation Army in London. Booth wrote a message on a paper and sent it by messenger to have it read from the podium. Silence fell as the moderator stood before the crowd to read the words. The moderator opened the paper and found just one word written— “others”. This is a reminder of the “Good Samaritan” story in the Bible. The man who the Samaritan helped had been beaten badly and was probably unknown to him. He was also a Jew, and Jews hated Samaritans. If we could sum up one word to describe this Samaritan it would be—others. He lifted the man on his own donkey, cleaned his wounds, and paid for all the time he needed to recover and get back on his feet. Philippians 2:4 says, “Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.” Being caring might take a lot of time, effort and cost, but what a difference maker! Sometimes it may only be a kind word or a listening ear that makes the way better for a hurting neighbor. Listening and loving speaks volumes about how you feel about others. I Corinthians 13:1 says, “Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, and have not charity, I am become as sounding brass, or a tinkling cymbal.” This verse simply encourages us to not be “pretty” in our talk but be loving in our walk. Charles Meigs wrote in 1890: “Others, Lord, yes others; let this my motto be. Help me to live for others, that I may live like Thee. Lord help me live from day-to-day, in such a self-forgetful way, that even when I kneel to pray, my prayer shall be for – others.”
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Seth BucknerThe Rural Texas Pastor sharing some encouraging thoughts from a small East Texas town. Archives
August 2020
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