Read Luke 6:1-49

My grandmother used to read poems from a book by Edgar Guest titled “A Heap O’ Living” written during World War I, a time when our country had many problems.

“It isn’t the money you’re making,

it isn’t the clothes you wear,

And it isn’t the skill of your

good right hand which

makes folks really care.

It’s the smile on your face and

the light of your eye and

the burdens that you bear.

It’s how do you live and neighbor,

how do you work and play?

It’s how do you say ‘good morning’ to the people along the way?

And it’s how do you face your troubles whenever your skies are gray.”

What Counts by Edgar Guest

The words of Jesus in verses 27- 49 offer some ideas about how to live and what counts in our lives.

“I tell you, love your enemies. Help and give without expecting a return. You’ll never—I promise—regret it.”

Do you have to be thanked when you do something for people? Jesus says to help others and give to others – even our enemies – without expecting anything in return.

Do you do that?

He does not want us to use spite. He says to be generous with our time and money. Having a bad day?

Be generous. Be kind.

“Don’t pick on people, jump on their failures, criticize their faults—unless, of course, you want the same treatment.”

Saying nothing is an option. Focus on the positive in others, rather than looking for faults. Give people a break. You might win them over.

Be generous!

“Generosity begets generosity.” – Luke 6:37-38

What counts in living life as a Christian?

Be generous and kind.

Be honest.

Be content – do not judge.

“You to the end of the journey,

kindly and brave and true,

The best and the worst of you gleaming

In all that you say and do,

And the thing that counts isn’t money,

or glory, or power, but YOU!”

Edgar Guest

Are you living for an audience of one (God)?

Switchfoot sang a song at Alive Festival recently called “Live It Well.” The song’s message is: “You’re the One I’m living for.”

Tom Weckesser