“Friends, this world is not your home, so don’t make yourselves cozy in it. Don’t indulge your ego at the expense of your soul. Live an exemplary life in your neighborhood so that your actions will refute their prejudices. Then they’ll be won over to God’s side and be there to join in the celebration when he arrives. (I Peter 2:11-12 The Message Bible)
There are all kinds of messages that people record for their voicemail in the event that they are unable or at times unwilling, perhaps even unable to take your call. The multiple messages range from something just as brief as a commanding “Leave a message,” spoken in an authoritative, bossy voice to a creative message with a comedic flair, messages that the caller finds entertaining, causing laughter, laughing so hard that the caller forgets why he or she called. For instance, “Hi, I’m sorry I couldn’t come to the phone but if you hop 3 times, spin around, touch your nose and say your name, then leave me a message after the beep, I’ll get back to you as soon as possible.” I almost left out the one which translated means, “Don’t expect a callback soon.” You know the one I’m referring to, the one that goes like this, “I’ll get back to you at my earliest convenience.” Of course, “convenience” leaves a lot of room from an immediate time to perhaps eternity. Smile!
There is one person I talk to occasionally who has an undeniable challenging voicemail, and it does not come across as rehearsed religious rhetoric. The message simply says, “Before you hang up, I would like to ask you a question, ‘Have you made a difference in someone’s life today?’”
Before you start your day, pretend that you have called the person I mentioned in the paragraph above. Now, stop the pretending and presume this is a message perfectly suited for you: “Before you hang up, I would like to ask you a question, ‘Have you made a difference in someone’s life today?’”
Well, have you? If not, strive to do so today, impacting not just a “somebody” but everybody you interact with or everywhere you model your Christian values and Christlike principles before everyone today. Have an impactful Thursday. Be blessed!
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” (I Thessalonians 5:11 NIV)
Committed to the climb,
Mark L. King