September 26, 2024
Humility -- Part 4
Proverbs 25:13
09/26/2024
13 Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a
faithful messenger to those who send him; he
refreshes the soul of his masters. (ESV)
John Donne, an English poet and clergyman who lived in the
late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries, wrote: ``No man
is an Island, entire of it self; every man is a piece of the
Continent, a part of the main.'' Our actions, our words, affect
others. Our actions, our words, reflect on our family, on our
friends, on our employers, on our church.
King Solomon wrote:
Like the cold of snow in the time of harvest is a
faithful messenger to those who send him; he refreshes
the soul of his masters.
We might use the analogy that a faithful messenger, someone
we have entrusted with our reputation, someone who represents us,
is as satisfying as a cold beer on a hot summer day. Or maybe a
tall, cold, glass of iced tea with a slice of lemon, if you don't
drink beer.
As we show humility in serving others, as we seek to give
more than expected, we bring honor to those with whom we are
associated. A surly, unhelpful store clerk can do a great deal
of damage to a business. A happy, helpful, courteous employee
can enhance a store's reputation, bringing in more customers.
That was one of the messages of the classic Christmas movie,
``Miracle on 34th Street.''
In loving our neighbor as ourselves we reflect the love of
God which caused Him to send Jesus Christ to pay the price of our
sin. As we have received God's rich love, grace, and mercy, we
pray that we show that mercy to others. We forgive as we are
forgiven, we serve as we are served.
May our Lord grant us the willing heart to reflect His love
to others. Amen.