And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’
Matthew 25:40
There was a quite distinguished Professor who had quite a number of advanced degrees and was a much sought after speaker. One this particular day, he sat through and almost 30 introduction detailing his many degrees, accomplishments, his numerous awards in academia, and on and on. Finally, the time came for him to speak. He walked to the podium, very dignified, took some papers from his coat pocket, put on his spectacles, looked at all the esteemed and eager audience members and then simply asked, "Who cleaned this room?"
The audience all began whispering and the President of the University was embarrassed and apologized profusely and said he would find the janitor and fire him at once. The Professor, looked sternly at the President and asked him, "Are you embarrassed because you believe I disapprove of this room or because you haven't taken the time to learn his name? I wanted to know who cleaned this room because that person did an immaculate job and I wanted to congratulate him and take him to lunch. You would have discouraged him and, in firing him, destroyed one of the best at his job."
What's the purpose of this story? To remind us all that there are people we don't even notice most of the time who may be having the worst day of their lives and just need a word of encouragement. There are people who perform tasks that make our lives easier and more tolerable, that go unrecognized and unnoticed and unthanked. Are we truly so high and mighty that we have forgotten that when we breathe out last breath, we will be in the same dirt as the person we never bothered to speak to or thank or appreciate!
Again, I have a prayer challenge for us: Find someone who doesn't normally get recognized for the job they do and thank them. Pray for them! They too are God's children!
No comments:
Post a Comment