Trust in the Lord with all your heart,And lean not on your own understanding;In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He shall direct your paths. Proverbs3:5-6 NKJV
I watched a young woman rush past an elderly woman with a cane, nearly knocking her over in her haste. As if that wasn’t enough, she didn’t bother to fulfill a simple gesture of courtesy…she didn’t hold the heavy bank door for the woman with the cane. I was mortified at the crass indifference demonstrated by this young woman! Luckily I was directly behind the older lady and promptly ran for the door, the older woman looked shocked. Not by the first young woman’s behavior, but by mine. Isn’t that amazing? She was grateful and thanked me three times before walking through the doors.
This example is one of many scenarios saturating our society today. Complete oblivion. Now, I would like to give the young lady the benefit of the doubt. Perhaps she had a horrible day? Perhaps she had a bad week? Maybe health issues of a family member worsened? Maybe she received terrible news concerning her own health? Or maybe, just maybe…she is just oblivious to those around her.
Looking at the simple scenario. I thought of God and His Son, our amazing Savior- Jesus Christ. Although we are living in the “modern day” world, and thousands of years have gone by since Christ walked among men and died for our sins…the Words of our Father are still the same. Jesus Christ’ doctrine is still in place. We, as Christians are supposed to be a mirror image of His character. We are supposed to be walking and demonstrating unconditional love and understanding of our brothers and sisters. Does ignoring a struggling old lady with a cane sound like behavior that Jesus would approve of?
This scenario is the tip of the iceberg of what is transpiring and unfolding before our eyes. There seems to be a genuine lack of respect for the elderly. The youth explosion is apparent. No matter where you look it’s all about youth. And the generation of today, not ALL but a good majority of the ones I see, do not have the same fundamental values as say, the “baby boomers.” It is different.
As a Christian, I try to emulate Christs’ attributes as much as I can. No one is like Jesus…nor does anyone come close to the perfect one. But His Holy Spirit lives within, and knowing the Father’s words are the essential “tools” we need to exist in the world. God is an amazing God, and will do all He can to accommodate His children. He is nearby at all times. He hears our cries. He knows our hearts.
Perhaps because my entire career consisted of helping the elderly in nursing homes, I may have a higher radar of what their specific needs are. Or, I may be tuned into their plights because of my calling for this population from God. But, it does make me upset to see them being overlooked, or ignored…there is no reason for it.
The paths we walk on are determined by our consistent and genuine devotion to God. The walk with God is different for each person. It is a personal thing our relationship with God. Each one of us has a different connection to God. Some have a higher calling, some walk on a different road. Some have a low-key relationship with God. Some are high-powered and overtly focused. However, no matter the difference in how we speak to God…one thing is apparent, we are all walking down a path that will determine our eternal walk with God. His kingdom.
It’s our choice which path we walk down. The path we should all be taking is the one that seeks God’s face, and His righteous ways that lead to Eternity in His Kingdom. It’s never too late to walk down the right road. Our actions, our beliefs and what we do while on earth will make up our righteous robes in heaven.
Our continuous devotion to God, and His Words, following His commandments are crucial to our faith. So, might I suggest that we cross the bridge of serenity which consists of His ways while here on earth? Our behavior should have the “light of the Lord” reflecting from within at all times. So hold the door for the person behind you, smile to someone who is going through a rough time, listen and hear what your brothers and sisters are saying…and, help someone who needs counsel, or help in the simplest task or the most difficult. Or, just let someone you care about know they are loved.
Why bother to do all of these things? Because Jesus would do all of this and more. Because we love Jesus, and because the golden path of His kingdom is our ultimate destination. Amen~
Do not enter the path of the wicked,
And do not walk in the way of evil.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil;
And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is like the shining sun,That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble.
And do not walk in the way of evil.
15 Avoid it, do not travel on it;
Turn away from it and pass on.
16 For they do not sleep unless they have done evil;
And their sleep is taken away unless they make someone fall.
17 For they eat the bread of wickedness,
And drink the wine of violence. But the path of the just is like the shining sun,That shines ever brighter unto the perfect day.
19 The way of the wicked is like darkness;
They do not know what makes them stumble.
Proverbs, 4:14-19 NKJV
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Picture courtesy of Scott Birge~
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Great entry, Camille! We should treat others with kindness because Jesus would do these things and we should seek to imitate him, and also because Matthew 25:40 tells us “‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
I live in downtown San Francisco in Union Square, and it’s a bit of a rougher neighborhood, bordering the Tenderloin, which the city’s most crime-ridden area. This morning, as I was waiting for the train to work, a man approached me to say hi to Tater, who was in his carrier bag. He was blasting loud music in his headphones and wore his baggy pants very low on his legs, and his demeanor was no unlike someone who was drunk. When he came closer, I could smell alcohol on his breath.
All he said was “I love dogs!” but I quickly averted my eyes and moved away from him. I felt sad that I treated him this way, driven by my fear. As much as I try to treat everyone I come into contact with kindly, I’m not sure how to treat someone kindly when I am afraid around them. What do you think?
Also, how have you been lately??! I haven’t talked to you in a while. I miss writing to you!
Hugs!
Hi Amy,
So good to see you and your words. I pray all is well with you and yours.
In answer to your comment about “feeling sad” for walking away. Please don’t. Although the Lord wants us to be like Jesus in terms of His love, and light…he also wants us to be careful.
Discernment from the Holy Spirit will be our guide. In any given situation, especially in “rough” parts of town, or a scenario that seems unsettling to you, God wants us to be aware. We are not to walk blindly into dangerous circumstances. But, His Holy Spirit is within all believers, so pay close attention to “your inner” feelings. That would be the Lord warning us. You will know when to walk away, and when to stay. Your reaction is natural, and it was a self-protective mode. Don’t feel sad. As you continue your walk with God, you will automatically know when to stay, or flee…or how to turn the situation around. If you feel “peace about something” it is from God. If you feel “static” or “unsettled” it is not from God and in most cases a warning to turn from it. I hope that helped somewhat.
I’m doing well Amy…Thanks. I miss your posts, and stories about your little adorable Tater, and of course updates about your hubby. Tater- What a cute name by the way. I don’t know if I’ve ever told you but I love it. And, it fits the darling little pup so well.
Thank you for stopping by. Talk to you soon.
Blessings and Hugs~>