Bible Thoughts

September 23, 2001

Paul and those with him were shipwrecked on the Island of Malta(Melita). The disciples were cold and hungry. When the "barbarians" saw their plight, they showed them "no common kindness"(ASV). Starting a fire, they offered warmth to the stranded Christians. Even the "leading man of the island"(Publius), welcomed and "entertained" them "courteously." Such kindness from those who had no apparent contact with the gospel prior to this event is commendable indeed.

It is not always easy to be kind to others. Yet, this is one of the qualities that set Christians apart from the world. Acts of mercy in assisting those in need should be an integral part of the life of those who follow the kindest of all, Jesus Christ.

Kindness is not something that is restricted to a disaster. Obviously, it is often demonstrated under extreme conditions. Men and women who would not ordinarily open their hearts to others as they should are moved by the plight of the suffering. Such has been recently demonstrated in our nation as citizens rallied to be involved in relieving the suffering and agony of an attack on our largest city. As time separates us from this terrible event, let us not fail to remember that kindness is acceptable at any time, under all circumstances.

Kindness begins in the family. The smallest child can be guided into acceptable behavior by seeing proper examples in the home. If a home is filled with strife, jealousy, and hurt, it is a miserable place in which to live. On the other side, a home that is filled with proper love and respect for its members, kindness becomes a way of life. Happiness is gleaned from the proper treatment of family members.

Kindness is characteristic of those who follow Jesus Christ. As brethren associate with one another, work together for the Lord, and place their trust in the Lord's way, kindness toward disciples will emerge. Kindness can solve a lot of difficulties that arise among saints. Business meetings, classes, and any other functions that bring brethren together should reflect the proper attitude of kindness. A little kindness can solve a lot of problems and difficulties.

When Christians go forth into the world, whether work or play, kindness contributes much toward gaining the respect of those with whom disciples associate. Living such an example can be the influence that will lead others into the paths of righteousness.

Be kind. It will make each of us a better disciple and inspire those with whom we live, work, and play to be kind as well. After all, a little kindness goes a long way. In fact, as the text says, "extraordinary kindness" will go even a longer way. Try it; you will like it. And others will like you.

"...and be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, even as God also in Christ forgave you"(Ephesians 4:32).

As Paul was writing to the Christians at Phillipi he acknowledged a crucial truth, a truth that should serve as an encouragement to all who live pursuing Christ: "For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain."

We go about our day to day lives often getting caught up in the moment, believing that the things of the moment are the important things of life. We worry about trying to get ahead in our jobs, how well we are doing in school, or maybe how well our children are doing in school. We worry about whether or not we’ll be home in time to watch our favorite TV show, or whether or not our favorite team will win their game. We look forward to an upcoming vacation, or the release of a movie, or the start of a season and think that this is what life has to offer. But the events of life have a way of reminding us how fragile and precious life is.

Life is a gift. Many people act as if their life is their own but it is not. It is a gift, it is ours to hold for a very short time, to use for the glory of God, or to waste on things that fade away. Life is fragile and delicate, like the dew in the morning, one moment it is here and the next gone, vanished away. Paul recognized the fleeting nature of life, he recognized what the purpose of life is. Paul recognized that to live is to live for Christ and that to die is gain. Christians should use that frail and fragile gift, of which we can neither gain ourselves or replace when it is gone, and offer it up to God. It means nothing to give of the things we have in abundance but each of us only has one life, and it for but a short while, there is no better thing that we can give to God.

Our life was given to us for a purpose. It is up to each of us to decide if we will follow God’s purpose, or if we will waste our life following our own ends. God has given us many things to enjoy in this life. Living is not a necessary evil that we must suffer through and we should enjoy the good things of life, but we must understand that we live for Christ’s sake. We must magnify Christ in our lives, so that in life or in death Christ is glorified.

We should understand, like Paul did, that if we truly serve God in this life then his light will shine through us. In doing so we can have confidence that when this life is done, our efforts will not have been wasted, that we will gain an eternity with Christ. Life is short, it can be taken away in an instant, but we should be thankful that we do live and we should show our thanks by using our lives for the purpose for which they were intended.-Scott Huston