Sometimes The Kindness Of Others Humbles The Heart!
There is a Biblical adage that says something like, “It is better to give than receive.” This admonition drives most of the appeals for money from the clergy to fund the “ministry” of God’s church. Without the tithes and offerings of the Faithful, the ministry would die! There is a basic, fundamental truth here; however, as with anything when pushed to a fault, it becomes a sort of spiritual hammer. So many trails branch off of this basic truth that have absolutely nothing to do with the joy of giving.
Perhaps the adage should read, “It is more difficult to receive than give.” You think I’m wrong?
A beloved college professor told a story one day in class that went something like this: It seems that when he was a “young preacher boy,” he found himself serving as a substitute pastor for a small country church out in the boonies. Being in seminary, this then student (future professor) drove many miles to work with the people of that congregation. One problem . . . he had a junk car that often failed to start or quit while traveling. One Sunday morning when he arrived at the church, one of the men met him at the front step. As they shook hands in greeting, the man slipped a set of car keys into the palm of his hand.
“What’s this?” the professor to be asked.
“These are the keys to a much newer, more reliable car,” the man replied.
“Oh, I can’t take this! This is much too expensive a gift.”
After a back-and-forth exchange of offerings and rejections, the man finally asked the professor to be, “So what’s the deal? Are you too good for my gift?”
The future professor, stunned into silence, ducked his head and said sheepishly, “No, sir. I’m not too good. Thank you!”
You see, Sometimes The Kindness Of Others Humbles The Heart!
With so much emphasis on giving, giving, giving, we need to focus on the humility that comes from receiving. Our world needs more humility. WE need more humility!
My hope? My hope is that we will all experience more humility through learning to receive.
Peace!
Mark E. Hundley
