What On Earth's The Matter?

Young Mrs. Scott, attending her first ball game, listened patiently to her husband’s brief explanations. But when he sprang from his seat and waved his hat madly, Mrs. Scott exclaimed: “What on earth’s the matter, John?”

“Why,” he answered, “didn’t you see the fielder catch the ball?”

“Of course,” said Mrs. Scott quietly. “I thought that was what he was out there for.”

—Daily News, Ontario
[from: Tan, Paul Lee, Encyclopedia of 7,700 Illustrations, (Garland, Texas:
Bible Communications, Inc.) 1996. illust. 232]

We have people today who are called heroes for doing things it seems more of us should be doing: just being there to help others; just being there to make a difference. But I guess they are heroes because they stand out for becoming involved with what many are unwilling to do. Now I am not trying to diminish the goodness of people whose actions have been noticed, and there have been many times when the individual shrugs it off as only something anybody else would have done -- they just happened to be there. But when simple honesty or simple courtesies draw lots of attention or surprise -- that is simply sad commentary on our society today that more people don’t respond in kind!

Maybe these would not attract so much attention if everyone was doing what they should and offering the support to others that is needed. But then those acts of kindness and those kind people might go unnoticed. However, is that why these things are to be done? Are acts of kindness done to be noticed or done because they ought to be done? Shouldn’t they be done simply because that’s what we’re out there to do?

Don’t worry that society or the newspapers might not get excited about the action. Don’t let that keep you from doing your part in making a difference in the game of life. Big or small, our acts of kindness are important. And the deed will be noticed by the one who receives the kind action as well as by the God who has called us to love others and consider their needs. Remember Jesus said, “...YOUR FATHER WHO SEES IN SECRET, WILL REWARD YOU.” ( Matthew 6:4 ESV) [Open your Bible and read verses 1-4 for the full context.] And the Hebrew writer stated: “For GOD IS NOT SO UNJUST AS TO OVERLOOK YOUR WORK and the love that you showed for his sake in serving the saints, as you still do.” ( Hebrews 6:10 ESV)

Have a great day DOING WHAT YOU ARE OUT THERE FOR!
Carl

See other teEn-MAIL on Christian Behavior