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We should always be courteous and helpful and think the best of others no
matter who they are or where they come from. Many times we come into
contact with someone and because of what we see and hear; we automatically
treat them in a manner of our perception and liking. This should never be
the case because not one of us is perfect and all of us have fallen short
at one time or another. The Bible declares Romans 12:16-17 “Be of the same
mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate
with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion. Repay no one evil for
evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men.” (Matthew 7:1-5)
I hope you are encouraged by today's message to treat all people with
respect and in a manner that you would like to be treated.
THE MARKET HELPERS
In 1970, when I first developed M.S. symptoms, I lived in Shillington, near
Reading, Pennsylvania. My employer's fear of chronic illness ended my
career, but I still coordinated the cook and the housekeeper, drove my car
and did my own shopping when I could.
There was a little market near home. The first time I went there, my
balance and dexterity were affected and I dropped a can, which rolled
across the floor. I had considerable trouble retrieving it, dropping it
several times in my struggle. Once I had the can firmly in hand, I couldn't
get up from my knees! One of the “bagboys” helped me.
I continued shopping but when it came time to “check out”, the lines were
pretty long. Well, wouldn't you know it, I lost my balance and those racks
of candy and gum always placed near the check out lines was knocked off on
the floor -- candy and gum scattering and rolling everywhere! I tried to
pick it up, but kept losing my balance and dropping or spilling them again
and again.
Seeing my distress, the owner/manager helped me up, got me through the
checkout line and bagged my groceries. He took my car keys and drove my
car right up to the door and loaded everything into the trunk for me!
I was so pleased that I returned again and again to that store. Always,
someone was there to help me. As I pushed the cart, and looked at an item,
things appeared in it as if by magic. My helper checked me through the
line immediately and always helped me to the car - often bringing the car
up to the door for me.
Some years later I moved 10 miles away but I continued to come back to the
same store regardless of the long drive. I always felt special there
because of their help and courtesy. I told lots of friends about the
little market but none reported the special treatment and made me feel
almost as if I was making up a story. But over at least 12 - 15 years I'd
enjoyed shopping there.
About that time my teenaged daughter began to date a young man from town.
I heard them laughing in the other room and she called me, saying “Mom!
You've got to hear this!” The young man (I've forgotten his name after all
these years) was beet red with embarrassment, spluttering:
“No, don't tell you mother! Please, don't!” She told me anyway, and much
to his relief I fell to the floor laughing till the tears ran down my cheeks!
It seems that he'd just gotten a job at the little market where I liked to
shop. Recently I'd been in and he was stocking shelves when the manager
came over and said to him:
“See that lady over there? No matter what you are doing, leave it. Help
her. Open a new cash register. Take her groceries out of the cart. Help
her to the car or bring the car to the door.”
“Why all the special care?” he asked his manager.
“Son, she's the town drunk and we want her in and out of here as fast as
possible!”
Did I go back there to shop?
You bet!
Would you give up that kind of service?
Author Unknown
It is in loving others that our light shines brightly and in turn draws
people to the everlasting love of the Lord.
Read and meditate on these scriptures:
1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy
nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of Him who
hath called you out of darkness into His marvellous light.”
Philippians 4:11-13 “Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have
learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content. I know both
how to be abased, and I know how to abound: every where and in all things
I am instructed both to be full and to be hungry, both to abound and to
suffer need. I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”
Psalm 91:1-4 “He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall
abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the LORD, He is my
refuge and my fortress: my God; in Him will I trust. Surely He shall
deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with His feathers, and under His wings shalt thou
trust: His truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
Matthew 6:19-21 Jesus says, “Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon
earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through
and steal: But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither
moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor
steal: For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
All of these scriptures can be found in the King James Version Bible.
Today's Selected Poem: TEN RULES FOR A HAPPY DAY
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/inpoem133.htm
Today’s Selected Testimony: ALWAYS BE AVAILABLE
Click here to read --- http://www.Godswork.org/testimony27.htm
In Christ’s Service,
Dwayne Savaya
Gods Work Ministry |
