John 13:34-35 (NIV)
34 “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have
loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you
are my disciples, if you love one another.”
Would you like to apply for the following job?
"Wanted: Adventuresome, resourceful individuals for
the job of the century! A real paradise for the taking!
"Job Responsibilities: Enforce law and order; keep
track of activities and people, mostly isolated cabin dwellers, over a region
of thousands of miles; keep said people in touch with the outside world (sorry,
there are no radios); discourage liquor trade among the natives; and act as
customs agent, mining recorder, undertaker, game warden, dentist and doctor.
"Job Requirements: The ability to navigate river
rapids, ride horseback, and utilize snowshoes and dog sleds (which requires
feeding the dogs, if you want to get anywhere); the willingness to log, haul
and build own office and endure long periods of isolation (candidates will be
shut off from the outside world for at least 8 months of the year), mosquitoes,
black flies, a monotonous diet, extreme cold, and no internet or television.
"Candidates should be self-determined, between twenty-two
to thirty-two years of age, powerfully built (be a superman!); they should be
willing to depend on local First Nations for assistance and guidance on the
many miles of rugged trails (no paved roads, sorry!); and they must abhor any
drink stronger than water. No training or equipment provided."
Sounds fun, doesn't it?
What? You're not interested? How come?
Although never listed that way, this was the job
description of the Northwest Mounted Policemen (NWMP) who served in the Yukon
during the late 1800s and 1900s. Although a force of fifty men had been
recommended, only nineteen were assigned to the job. These nineteen men
received basic training, but no matter how extensively you are trained, you
cannot be an expert in everything required by the above description.
What the NWMP lacked in training and experience however,
they made up for with their caring attitudes. Because of the NWMP, the Yukon
did not have the crime scenes that Alaskan cities endured. In fact, crime in
the Yukon was very rare! But more importantly, these men were highly respected
throughout the Yukon, and people, white and native alike, welcomed them into
their homes with open arms.
Thinking about this, I realized how often we impact
others, not necessarily with our abilities, but with our willingness to help
out. It doesn't matter if we have a doctorate and 25 years of experience.
Without love and the desire to help, these things are nothing more than
decorations. The only services that will be remembered are those rendered out
of love.
I have never heard a student exclaim: "My teacher
has a doctorate! Wow!" I have heard, however, students shout out:
"Hey! I'm going to be in Mrs. "D's" class! She's so cool! She
really cares about her students. I can't wait!"
It's love that makes the differences, friends. And that's
just what Christians are called to do. Like the NWMP, we don't need to be experts
in everything. All we need is a willing heart that reflects the love of Christ.
Dear Lord, We pray today that no matter what our talents or
gifts that we would show Your love to them.
Help our life have meaning today. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
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