There tend to be two kinds of influencers in this world: those attracted by the love of power and those who’ve discovered the power of love.
Those in the first group win most of the awards, get their names on the plaques, and love grandiose obits. In a few years, no one remembers them, their statues in the park only appreciated by the pigeons.
The other group avoids notoriety like the plague. They do things not to enrich themselves but others. Their memorials are restored hopes, rescued lives, little kindnesses that make a big difference. When people recall them, a smile creeps across the face; maybe even a tear spills down the cheek.
These folk often don’t drive the coolest cars or wear designer clothes. With a few delightful exceptions, they aren’t very rich (except in the ways that actually matter). My Scottish grandmother would often pray over her grandchildren, “Lord, may these children always have enough to be generous.”
I hear the community’s concerns about troubled youth. The conversation often goes like this: “We need to get the university involved.” “If we could just get some federal funds.” “What if we had a new youth center!” I feel like saying, “Anybody here willing to spend a couple of hours this week showing a kid how to read? Or fish? Or cook? Or throw a ball?”
Jesus’ observation two thousand years ago still holds true. The work of God—touching lives, lifting spirits, healing broken hearts—is still largely carried on by widow’s mites, not by the big boys with the big bucks. A million or two for an improved stadium? No problem. An hour or two of my time spent with a lonely child? Sorry, too expensive. But as someone said, “Nothing costs as much as caring—except not caring.”
What this means, of course, is that the lasting things that make all the difference in people’s lives are available for us ordinary types to do. Things like: “Be kind to one another…forgiving one another.” “Encourage one another daily.” “Through love serve one another.” “Bear one another’s burdens.” “Be hospitable to one another.” All these from an old Book I find very helpful.
A few years back I had the opportunity to be involved in a local project to help folks who had suffered loss through fire. The day of the grand opening, I chatted with quite a few firefighters. They had donated significant time and skills to remodel the facility, and had done a lovely job.
Then I noticed a newspaper photographer arriving (full disclosure: I read newspapers). Within minutes, magically, cars rolled up, disgorging sundry officials. Various groups formed, the camera did its work, and then everyone moved inside for refreshments. Oh, did I mention that none of the fellows that actually did the work were in any of the photos?
On the sly, I mentioned to each of them what Jesus said. Those who seek the glory here, “They have their reward.” (Mt 6:2) They got what they wanted, didn’t they? But the promise is made to His followers who just do things for goodness’ sake, “When Christ who is our life appears, then you also will appear with Him in glory.” (Col 3:4)
Wait for it. Wait for it. The real celebration day is coming.
Religion Page article by Jabe Nicholson first published in the Commercial Dispatch on Sunday, Aug 1, 2021.