Luke 9:23-27
And he said to them all, “If you want to come with me, you must forget yourself, take up your cross every day, and follow me. For if you want to save your own life, you will lose it, but if you lose your life for my sake, you will save it. Will you gain anything if you win the whole world but are yourself lost or defeated? Of course not! If you are ashamed of me and of my teachings, then the Son of Man will be ashamed of you when he comes in his glory and the glory of the Father and the holy angels. I assure you that there are some here who will not die until they have seen the Kingdom of God.” Luke 9:23-27 (GNT)
It seems Luke is explaining that Jesus is telling us to forget our own wants and desires and for us to go out and make God’s creation a better place. It’s not about me getting what I want but it’s about me “Loving God and loving my neighbor”. When I am helping my neighbor no matter how small or how big, I have made creation a better place and when others see it it can become contagious.
A school bus driver tells a story of how much difference a kind act for a neighbor can make:
I drive a school bus and there is a 6th grader I want to talk about. Last week, he mentioned that his elderly neighbor had not left her house in weeks. I tried to explain how difficult it can be for someone her age to manage daily tasks. Then, on Tuesday, when I pulled up to his stop, he wasn’t there waiting. I glanced over and saw him shoveling her porch. Since I was early, I decided to wait for him. The other kids on the bus asked why we were waiting and I told them, “Anyone helping someone deserves a few extra minutes.”
What happened next warmed my heart. The other kids started asking him questions about the neighbor when he got on the bus, and the next day, seven children got on the bus with blankets, food, and handmade cards for the elderly woman. After work, I delivered those gifts to her. Now, every day, she stands out on her porch and the whole bus waves good morning to her.
I am so proud of the young man stepping up and doing good for her. He taught all of us something valuable. Every day, I smile because of the extraordinary kids I have on my bus.
I think this may have been a good story for Luke to have added to his Gospel to help show what self-denial and commitment to make God’s creation a better place can do.
Question for Reflection:
- What is one small behavior you might add to your daily activities to help make God’s Creation better.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, Please help us to remember to help our neighbor and make your creation a better place. We pray this in Jesus' name. AMEN
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