Dr. Martin Luther King reportedly once said, "One of life's most persistent and urgent questions is: What are you doing for others?" That's still a good question for every one of us to consider, especially in this "Me Generation" in which we presently live. In the midst of a self-centered, care- only-for -myself world, the slain civil rights leader's words beckon us to refocus our lives and to "not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others." - (Phil. 2:4).
It is one of the hallmarks of the Christian faith that those who call themselves disciples of Christ be like Him who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many." - (Mt. 20:28). The Bible is clear in telling us that "He went about doing good" - (Acts 10:38). And it urges upon all Christians the necessity of doing "good to all people, and especially to those who are of the household of the faith." - (Gal. 6:10).
In the great judgment scene of Mt. 25:31-46, Jesus said only one thing makes the difference between the saved and the lost, viz., what they did, or did not do, for others. None of those great works that men put so much emphasis on, like prophecy, the exorcism of demons or miracles, were even mentioned - (Mt. 7:21). It's simply this: what did you do for others?
God gave the ultimate gift for others when He sacrificed His only Son for sinful mankind. That gift has not lost any of its allure or luster, and it's really the gift "that keeps on giving." If God gave this much for us, the very least we can do is "be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other" - (Eph. 4:32).
Dr. King was right: we need to ask ourselves this urgent question: "What are you doing for others?" Lonnie Ritchie