This story below by Eric Butterworth so beautifully illustrates the importance of love.  It’s been around for a while and perhaps you have already read this but it serves as a great reminder of the power of love.

A college professor had his sociology class go into the Baltimore slums to get case histories of 200 young boys. They were asked to write an evaluation of each boy’s future. In every case the students wrote, “He hasn’t got a chance.” Twenty-five years later, another sociology professor came across the earlier study. He had his students follow up on the project to see what had happened to the 200 boys. With the exception of 20 who had moved away or died, the students learned that 176 of the remaining 180 had achieved more than ordinary success as lawyers, doctors, and businessmen.

The professor was astounded and decided to pursue the matter further. Fortunately, all the men were in the area and he was able to ask each one, “How do you account for your success?” In each case, the reply came with feeling, “There was a teacher.”

The teacher was still alive, so he sought her out and asked the old but still alert lady what magic formula she had used to pull the boys out of the slums into successful achievement.

The teacher’s eyes sparkled and her lips broke into a gentle smile. “It’s really very simple,” she said. “I loved those boys” (Butterworth, 1993).

After God led his people out of slavery in Egypt He set them up to succeed.  Through Moses He gave them “Decrees and laws the Lord your God directed me to teach you to observe in the land that you are crossing the Jordan to possess” (Deut. 6:1)

It’s incredibly interesting to me that after He gave them the guidelines to succeed he told them to “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.”  (Duet 6:5) 

He didn’t say “Love My rules with all your heart…”  Instead, He placed the importance on the relationship of love. 

This teaches us that relationship comes before the rules.  Love then motivates obedience. 

Are you seeking after an all-out love relationship with Christ? 

His love is powerful! His love transforms a life that doesn’t have a chance into more than ordinary.

 

“Image courtesy of [“Love Hand” by luigi diamanti] / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.

Copyright©2014, Gloria Stucky

While I went out for a run, I saw an ADORABLE little girl riding her bike.  It was much larger than she needed.  She was unstable and lacking skill so I guessed it was a new Christmas present.  As she rode from across the street in my direction I was fully concerned she was about to hit me.  I smiled and spoke to her because I wanted to encourage her on her journey but also to make sure she was aware of my presence.    

Later, I crossed paths with a man running in the opposite direction.  He looked like a very experienced runner.  You know the kind that make running look so effortless and are dressed like someone off the cover of a magazine.  He didn’t look my way or offer any sort of greeting.  I was a little embarrassed since this was my first run after recovering from the flu and it proved to be a struggle. 

I wondered if he was tempted to judge my running efforts the same way I had looked upon the little girl’s beginner biking skills.    

I began to compare this to efforts in life.  Do those who are further along in their accomplishments, goals and dreams get encouraged by those of us who are still aspiring to reach certain levels?  Or are they tempted to look down upon our efforts? 

A simple smile, friendly greeting or word of encouragement (“You look great on that bike”) goes a long way when the path before is long and the ride is a little shaky. 

Whether you are developing a new skill, maintaining or mastering a new level let’s be intentional to encourage one another!

¹¹ Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.

1 Thessalonians 5:11 (NIV)

 

 

  “Image courtesy of “Cute Bicycle Rider” by imagerymajestic/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net”

 

Copyright©2014, Gloria Stucky

 

 

We ran out of soap.  (I know who runs out of soap?  That’s right up there behind toilet paper as a must have household item.)  To be sure the next person who jumped into the shower was not left hanging; I grabbed a bottle of body wash.  I didn’t give much thought to what scent I chose.  (Or flavor as my husband calls it.)

 Later that evening my husband warned me he could not be held responsible for my reaction to his smell.  He had just used an energizing, “INVIGORATING” body wash and he was sure the aroma would have a positive effect on me.  He wasn’t sure he should even go into public around the female species with such a smell.  He didn’t want to cause anyone to stumble.  (That’s also why I tell him he shouldn’t work in the yard without his shirt.)

 Ephesians 5: 1-2 says:  “Therefore be imitators of God as dear children.  And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.”

 When my husband’s behaviors imitate Christ’s sacrificial love I can’t help but be attracted to his sweet-smelling aroma.  The same proves true for his attraction towards my sacrificial behaviors.  A little “walking in love” goes a long way. 

Can your actions be considered a sweet-smelling aroma to those around you?  Some of us are leaving a stench – even causing those around us to stumble.  We may need to exchange a few current behaviors with a few new ones.  It could be like trying a new body wash scent and we may be surprised on how well it is received.

 “Image courtesy of “Hand Pouring Water Splashing On Black Background”

by khunaspix/ FreeDigitalPhotos.net”

 Copyright©2014, Gloria Stucky

When our pastor told a funny story to illustrate a sermon point it made me think of a loved one.  So naturally, when I saw my loved one I told them the story.  But for the life of me I could not remember the point which really bothered me.  I continued to think about it throughout that day.  Why could I not remember the point? 

Without a point it’s just a funny story.  Not that there’s anything wrong with a funny story but I don’t go to church to be entertained.  I’m sure the pastor had not studied and diligently worked on his sermon intending to entertain me.  I can imagine he was shooting more toward the target of teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness. 

After much thought, not only did I remember the point but I remembered sitting in the sanctuary and thinking: “That is a brilliant way to present that point.  Everything that has been spoken up to this point was leading to that very statement.” 

If it was so brilliant, why did I have so much trouble remembering it? 

Because I had done the very thing I had vowed not to do:  I entered the sanctuary without preparing my mind and my heart.  I showed up and parked myself in a pew.  I went through the motions of worship but my mind and heart had not been deliberately prepared through prayer.    

The weeks leading up to our pastor starting his new pastoral position I had been praying for him.  After much prayer I sensed a message for myself:  “He’s ready.  Are you?” 

I committed that I would not just show up but would be responsible in doing my part in preparation.  My ongoing prayer is for God to create a hunger within my heart to learn and grow, and to create an atmosphere within my heart where deliberate learning can flourish.

If showing up is all you are capable of, then by all means, please SHOW UP.   But why not let church be the extension of worship that already exists in our hearts through preparation in prayer?

“Image courtesy of “Thinking Man” by Chaiwat / FreeDigitalPhotos.net”.

Copyright ©2014, Gloria Stucky