People of True Value (A New Years Challenge)

Philippians 3:17 "Join with others in following my example, brothers, and take note of those who live according to the pattern we gave you."

1 Corinthians 11 "Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ."

I was just listening to yet another ad telling us all the great deals and fantastic values available if we would just buy at store Z or the new brand X. This got me to thinking about people and that which is of, "true value".

Some of the finest people I have had the opportunity to be associated with are those who have lived their lives in service as an example to others. Not for personal reward or acclaim, but because they understand the influence of personal example in all our lives. I have been gifted to know many such people in my life.

They have taught me there are two basic ways to improve human development both personally and with others. They are, attitude and behavior. You may try the easy path to advance yourself through lies or tearing down those around you, but that eventually leads to angry, cynical, distructive and defeatist behavior. Or you can follow the difficult path. A path of improving yourself while trying to help those around you to improve as well. That path is the path of excellence and growth for everyone.

Experience has taught that those people of true value are not the most famous, the most wealthy, the most powerful, or even the most "religious". No. Rather I find they are simple people of character. They are flawed just as we all are, but the difference is in how they handle their flaws. These are people who examine who they are inside and outside and work to improve daily. People who give selflessly and spend their lives in a relentless pursuit to be the best they can be while building and growing those around them.

They are caring and forgiving people, relationship builders, thinking of the welfare of others before their own. They are gifted in different ways but each makes the most of their gifts and gives them away generously, even lavishly, to everyone they can. People like the woman with terminal cancer who smiles and jokes with friends and family so that THEY feel better, or the man suffering from the death of his child who serves as Santa at an orphanage.

These are the unsung heros of our everyday lives. The teachers, police officers, firemen, soldiers, doctors & nurses, scoutmasters, pastors, coaches, Mom's & Dads, Grandmas & Grandpas and many others. Those who spend thousands of hours in cheerful service to others. Planting seeds often without knowing it, and without the gratification of seeing the end results. Each showing by example that there is a better way and each building others through their behavior.

God provides each of us with the opportunity to be special everyday. The opportunity to make a difference in the lives around us. It may be a smile, a positive attitude, a helpful hand. It is a decision we make everyday. To leave everyone and everything just a little bit better than we found it. I pray that not just today, but everyday, we all decide to take the difficult path, to be people of, "true value".

Love one another,

The Church Mouse

"Preach the Gospel at all times; if necessary, use words." - St. Francis of Assisi