For Others

There are many statements made by preachers that stand out from my childhood. I will always be thankful for wonderful Christians like sister Taggart, Brother King, Brother Anderson, Brother Gus Nichols, and others who commented, “You're going to grow up and be a preacher like your Dad.” There are also statements, poems, etc, that stand out from special sermons we heard. Most of these were from Dad. Not sure where he got them from, but he used some of them often. I remember him quoting the poem, “Lord, Forgive me When I Whine.” Then there was the poem “Others.” It must have been one of his favorites.

 “Lord, help me live from day to day, In such a self-forgetful way

That even when I kneel to pray, My prayer shall be for others.

OTHERS, LORD, YES OTHERS, LET THIS MY MOTTO BE,

HELP ME TO LIVE FOR OTHERS THAT I MAY LIVE LIKE THEE.”

It wasn’t so much that Dad knew this poem; he lived it every day of his life. Occasionally, through the years, I’ve seen preachers who also live it out. It was a great joy to spend a weekend with an outstanding young preacher recently.

It was astonishing to watch him interact. Every thought and action seemed to focus on how he could serve others. He asked specific questions about needs that they might have. He went the extra mile to meet those needs in a way that showed he seriously listened.

In a world where sometimes even among men of God who are constantly promoting themselves, letting everyone know about their agenda, and seemingly craving the attention of everyone, it is refreshing to see those who are always thinking of others.

If we can get ourselves to live this way, we will be a tremendous blessing to other people, the Kingdom, our families, the world, and even ourselves. May God help us to live today for others.