Be Thou An Example

May 17, 2001

I was thinking about how many millions of Americans called and sent gifts to their mothers this past Sunday on Mother’s Day and then I wondered how many will call this week. My thoughts then drifted to a friend of mind who takes time from his busy schedule almost every day of the week to go and have morning coffee with his widowed mother. He could just as easily call for they live less than a mile from each other, but every morning he goes and spends some time with her.

Sometimes Christians feel they have to part of some grand effort. It is like the Mother’s Day mentality. I must do something great for my mother on Mother’s Day, when in fact day to day small things mean so much more. In the church it seems to be, "If I am going to be successful as a Christian, I must do something noteworthy, something grand, something outstanding." We read of those who have written so many books, baptized so many people, or held so many gospel meetings that we may begin to feel inadequate in our Christian lives. Wouldn’t be great if we all could be a Marshall Keeble, a Guy N. Woods, or a Gus Nichols, but, alas, few are blessed with the talents of these and others like them.

However, we can all be like my friend. I have never heard him say he was writing a book or even wanted to. I don’t know if he has ever held a gospel meeting or wanted to. But he does something each day that everyone of us can do. He serves in whatever way he is needed. All the little things that so many of us overlook. He has been on roofs, moved furniture, fixed cars, sat with the sick, and comforted the dying. He serves!

I am reminded of the words of our Lord, "...whoever desires to become great among you, let him be your servant. And whoever desires to be first among you, let him be your slave__ just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." (Matthew 20:26_28). God wants those who are willing day in and day out to serve. Those who will go the distance in serving, often without recognition or gratitude. Are you one of those?