My Own Lesson

I learned a valuable lesson recently; always operate out of love. Matthew 22:37 - 40 Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments."

If you think you know what love is, take the time to know for sure. If you’re unsure of what love is, take the time to learn. C. S. Lewis wrote a tremendous book on the subject called, “The Four Loves.” It is a thorough and thoughtful insight of the word love, which I recommend, but I can tell you that if you don’t want to put in the effort, there are alternatives. A place to start is if you love someone you wish them goodwill. If you don’t love someone, you still wish them good will. Of course you only get out of a relationship, what you put into it. We all might know what we should do, but without acting on it, nothing will ever change.

I heard a good story today about a new preacher that came and gave a wonderful sermon and the congregation was so moved that electricity was in the air. They lined up after the service to welcome the new preacher and thank him for the wonderful sermon. He graciously thanked them and encouraged them to return. Word of the wonderful new preacher spread fast throughout the community and the following Sunday service was standing room only. The congregation was excitedly anticipating the sermon and the new preacher stood and delivered the exact same wonderful sermon as the week before. Some of the parishioners that had heard it before thought that he must have delivered it to assist the people that had missed it the week before. The following Sunday the church was packed again and again the new preacher delivered the same wonderful sermon. After the seventh Sunday of the same wonderful sermon a stern committee of older women approached the new preacher and stated that though they loved the wonderful sermon, did he have any others he could deliver?
“Of course,” the preacher happily stated, “I have many that are just as wonderful.”
“Then when can we report to the people who sent us, that you might begin delivering them.”
The new preacher smiled and responded, “As soon as I see you doing something about this one I’m delivering now.”

God speed!