Monday; August 9

In 1964 Hal David, Burt Bacharach and Jackie DeShannon teamed up to produce the hit song, “What The World Needs Now Is Love”. The song was an encouragement to not forget the importance of love. I have been listening to the song for over 50 years now and, the other day, something struck me. In the song’s lyrics, the singer pleads, “Lord, we don't need another mountain … There are mountains and hillsides enough to climb … There are oceans and rivers enough to cross … Enough to last 'til the end of time”. A little later, the singer observes, “Lord, we don't need another meadow … There are cornfields and wheatfields enough to grow … There are sunbeams and moonbeams enough to shine”. While the words are simple, I wonder if we have missed their meaning. Over the last half century, we have done a good job of protecting the environment and defending our flora and fauna. We have cleaned up our rivers and defended our pets. Yet, have we lost sight of our need to love one another? We are protecting nature, but are we promoting love?

The chorus repeats the theme of the song, “What the world needs now is love, sweet love … It's the only thing that there's just too little of”. Whether the song was sung in the 1960s or replayed in the 21st Century, it has a good message; however, Bacharach, David and DeShannon were not the first ones to advocate this message. Jesus said, “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” (John 13:34-35). Let’s do our best to protect the world the Lord has given us, but let’s focus on loving the people around us. This is the message we will be judged by.

Think About It!

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