Monday; July 8

For those of you who spend a lot of time in the wilderness, you are probably familiar with the admonition, “Be an environmentalist, leave things better than you find them.”. In other words, if we want to make a difference, not only should we pack in and pack out our trash, we probably should take an extra bag and clean up after others. No, it’s not “fair”, but it is responsible.

As I thought about this, I was challenged to ponder this as it applies to our relationships. When we enter into a relationship we will typically take things the way we get them. We need to be willing to accept people for who they are. Yet, what would happen if we applied the above cited principle and left people better than we found them? Whether this is in our long-term relationships or merely in our casual day-to-day interactions, do we go above and beyond to help people have a better day … or a better life?

Not long ago I came upon a bit of advice, “There is one who speaks rashly like the thrusts of a sword, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” (Proverbs 12:18). As we visit with people, do we spar with them or do we try to heal their hurts? Imagine the good that could be done if we set out help people be better than we found them?

Think About It!

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