It’s true that things don’t often go according to plan. Last summer I was scheduled to speak at a dinner, and had designed a bookmark as a small gift for the ladies who would be attending. The bookmarks just had to be printed and cut at the copy shop. I was already thinking about the quiet lunch my husband, Steve, and I would be able to share before we headed back home – bookmarks in hand.
A small problem
The printer was unable to produce a copy with the same colors that were on the original bookmark. Their machines weren’t calibrated correctly. I could feel myself begin to tense up. But it was only a little after ten, and there were several other copy shops in town.
Two stores later, and no closer to a finished product, I was getting really concerned. Steve dropped me off at home so I could review my notes for the banquet, and told me he would take care of the bookmark dilemma.
True to his word, Steve handed me a completed stack of photo-quality bookmarks as I headed to my presentation. I couldn’t have done it without him.
A beautiful love
His actions demonstrated selfless love. I know he had a thousand things he could have been doing: catching up on things around the house and yard, or spending time with our pets. But instead, he was willing to help me with a project I should have completed earlier in the week. What a guy!
With this one act, my husband showed me what a Christ-like attitude looked like. He willingly set aside what he had planned for the day, to tackle my project. His words were encouraging and kind. He didn’t get frustrated with me for not getting the bookmarks done sooner.
Jesus’ example
Jesus is the ultimate example of helping those in need. His mission was to reconcile sinful man to a holy God – to meet the spiritual needs of mankind:
For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost. Luke 19:10
But on the road to accomplishing this goal, He cared for their physical needs as well. It’s impossible to miss His heart of compassion as He ministered to people wherever He went. He opened the eyes of the blind. Made the lame to walk. And fed the multitudes.
Jesus was a busy man with a public ministry. He poured His life into the twelve disciples and was often thronged by others eager to hear or dispute His message. But Jesus was never too busy to meet the needs of those who sought Him out. Jesus knew these were not irritating interruptions, but divine appointments.
His heart
I’m reminded of the time Jesus traveled to Judea and taught the people. I’m sure He wasn’t taken by surprise when the Pharisees began asking controversial questions, trying to trick Him. And there was another group of people waiting to gain an audience with Jesus as well – some women with their children.
Imagine the scene as the disciples tried to act as body guards, monitoring Jesus’ every move, and attempting to control the crowds: only giving access to those they felt were worthy of the Master’s attention. Surely, they reasoned, Jesus’ time was too important to spend with these ladies and their little ones. The disciples chided them for approaching Jesus and began sending them away.
A rebuke & a blessing
But Jesus’ attitude was much different. He valued these women who came to Him, and rebuked His disciples:
Suffer the little children to come unto me, and forbid them not: for of such is the kingdom of God…And he took them up in his arms, put his hands upon them, and blessed them. Mark 10:14b,16
What a valuable lesson. Selfless love makes a big impression – it points others to the Savior.
How do you react when your agenda is interrupted? What step will you take today to demonstrate selfless love and point others to Christ?
Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the examples in Your Word and life that teach me what it looks like to express unselfish love. Forgive me when I live as if it’s all about me. Help me take advantage of the opportunities You give me to serve and bless others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
