Thought for Tuesday, June 19th

June 19, 2012

Sharing Equals Caring

“In the time we have it is surely our duty to do all the good we can to all the people we can in all the ways we can.” – William Barclay

It often seems we live in a world that is very self-centered and me oriented: however this is a diverse opposite to what Jesus taught us to be, and how He wants us to live.

The adage that states it is more rewarding and fulfilling to give than it is to receive is not embraced by many today, especially not among our younger generations.

John MacNaughton says, “Maturity begins to grow when you can sense your concern for others outweighing your concern for yourself.”

As we grow in maturity both naturally and spiritually it is important for us to understand and realize we are not the center of it all in fact we need to not be the center of anything – only God deserves that place – but rather we need to be the facilitators of pointing hearts and souls to the one who deserves and should have the center stage, spotlight and focus of all of our attentions.

“We have no more right to consume happiness without producing it than to consume wealth without producing it..”

George Bernard Shaw

And when he was gone forth into the way, there came one running, and kneeled to him, and asked him, Good Master, what shall I do that I may inherit eternal life?  And Jesus said unto him, Why callest thou me good? there is none good but one, that is, God. Thou knowest the commandments, Do not commit adultery, Do not kill, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Defraud not, Honour thy father and mother. And he answered and said unto him, Master, all these have I observed from my youth. Then Jesus beholding him loved him, and said unto him, One thing thou lackest: go thy way, sell whatsoever thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come, take up the cross, and follow me.  And he was sad at that saying, and went away grieved: for he had great possessions.  And Jesus looked round about, and saith unto his disciples, How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! And the disciples were astonished at his words. But Jesus answereth again, and saith unto them, Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God! It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.  And they were astonished out of measure, saying among themselves, Who then can be saved? And Jesus looking upon them saith, With men it is impossible, but not with God: for with God all things are possible. Then Peter began to say unto him, Lo, we have left all, and have followed thee. And Jesus answered and said, Verily I say unto you, There is no man that hath left house, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my sake, and the gospel's, But he shall receive an hundredfold now in this time, houses, and brethren, and sisters, and mothers, and children, and lands, with persecutions; and in the world to come eternal life.  But many that are first shall be last; and the last first.

Mark 10:17-31

Putting the needs of others first is not always easy but it is more than often needful if we want to be pleasing to God.

And it might just surprise us to see what an impact this type of behavior will have on those around us.

Mark Twain said it this way, “Do the right thing.  It will be gratifying to some people and astonish the rest.”  But most of all it will honor God and isn’t that really what we should be all about?

Today’s Prayer

Father, you are the ultimate example of the one who has given Your best and most precious for our good: May we be as dutifully faithful and willing to do the same for others.

“My life is in You Lord
My strength is in You Lord
My hope is in You Lord
In You, it’s in You

I’ll praise You with all of my life
I’ll praise You with all of my strength
With all of my life, with all of my strength
All my hope is in You “

-  Lyrics from ‘My Life Is In You Lord’ by Daniel Gardner