YOUR WORDS WILL BE REMEMBERED

“Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom. For with the same measure that ye mete withal it shall be measured to you again.” (Luke 6:38 KJV)

Wednesday, I went to buy, yes you guessed it, a couple of decorating pieces, and I ended up purchasing a couple of grey pillows with yellow printed words on them that say, “Show kindness.”  I was looking for pillows of a similar color with one word, “Blessed.”  Although I was disappointed at first that I did not find what I was looking for, the pillows I purchased had a great message on them and they will serve the same purpose.  Everyone who sees them adorning a couple of grey barrel chairs that you can’t miss when going to the lower level of my split-level house, will be reminded to show kindness.  The new décor provides good advice and puts a thought on the hearts of everyone who reads them; every family member, every visitor, and even me.  As a side note, even one’s décor can make a difference in someone’s life.  Think about it!

Now back to my story.  After grabbing the pillows off the shelf, I went to check out.  The cashier asked me if I wanted to donate to the Heart Foundation.  A lot of retail stores have this solicitation option as one of the first screens that appear on the card reader.  I’ll be honest, on many occasions I have said “No” and justified my response by other ways I give to help others or to forward the cause of kingdom building on a regular basis.  However, this time I said, “Yes,” and I pushed the box on the screen to make a two-dollar donation.  What made me give this time?  It was my remembering the words often spoken by older Deacon who recently passed away, the opening Scripture above.  I heard his profound, powerful, and persuasive voice, “Give and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together…”  Deacon may have passed and went home to glory, but his words will be remembered, and his voice will resonate as if he were speaking in the present time.  Let’s finish the story.

I leave the store and head home.  Before going in the house I stopped to check the mailbox.  There was a lot of junk mail, but one piece of mail was addressed to me.  It was a pretty envelope, and I guessed it was a belated birthday card.  When I opened it, my guess was right.  There was a well written birthday card, personalized just for me, sent by a group of loving church family members.  Also enclosed was some United States currency; yes money!  I won’t share the amount, but I will tell you it was multiple times the two-dollar donation I made to the Heart Foundation less than an hour ago.  I remembered the words of the Deacon, the words found in Luke 6:38.

Not only did I remember His words, but I rejoiced in the gift, and the fact that we cannot ever beat God’s giving.  Whether it relates to the giving of our treasures, our talent, or our time, it cannot be done.  As the songwriter wrote, “You cannot beat God’s giving, no matter how hard you try.”  So beyond remembering, and beyond rejoicing, we need to respond to that truth.  Why complain about giving in any of the three areas I mentioned, especially when you think of all the Lord has given you and especially when you reflect on the fact that Christ gave His life, died for us on an old rugged cross.

Go start your day and remember that the words that come out of your mouth and even your non-verbal communication will be etched in the minds of people who hear you and “listen” to how you behave.  Have a wonderful Friday!  Be blessed!

“Be real.  Try to do what you say, say what you mean, and be what you seem.”  (Marian Wright Edelman Quote)

Still committed to the climb,

Mark L. King