PROFIT AND LOSS

It was one of those days when nothing seemed to go right at work. Ralph had lost sale after sale and was three hours late for his lunch.

He sat down on his favorite stool in his favorite diner waiting to place his order. When the waitress asked for his order, he said meekly, “Please, I’d like two things: an order of pot roast and a few kind words.”

Looking at him kindly, she replied, “The kindest words I can think of right now are, ‘don’t order the pot roast.’”

Offering “kind words” is the responsibility of every Christian every day to everyone we meet. All of us, most of the time, welcome words of strength, hope, and encouragement to meet the challenges we face. Life, for most of us, has various shades of difficulty each day.

Have you ever asked, “What are the kindest words I can ever offer anyone?” Perhaps they are these: “Don’t forget the next world while living in this one.”

It is natural for each of us to put our values on the wrong things. No one is immune from being caught up “in the moment” when we are tired, vulnerable, discouraged, and weak. How sad it will be if we live our lives and, at the last moment, discover life’s greatest mistake: we did not include God in our plans. Jesus asked, “What do you benefit, really, if you gain the whole world and lose your own soul?”

Prayer:  We pray, Lord, that we will recognize our greatest need: to accept You as our Savior. Then, help us if You will, to share our faith with others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Scripture For Today:   And what do you benefit if you gain the whole world but lose your own soul? Is anything worth more than your soul? Mark 8:34-38