After You
Growing up one of my favorite comics was Disney’s Chip and Dale cartoons. Cute one-minute, pure mischief the next. The grief they gave Donald Duck! Nowadays I get to relive my childhood a bit as I watch those old cartoons with my children. One of the things I noticed is a running joke amongst the chipmunks. When they get to the door of a place, they begin to play the “after you” game. They get near the door and one says, “After you.” And then the next takes a step and says, “After you”. It goes back and forth into absurdity; yet what a great attitude to have. One friend is so quick to show respect and even honor to their friend. As we move into a time of year where we emphasis thankfulness, generosity, kindness and peace, it is an example to copy. Paul devotes a lot of space in Romans to this subject. I especially like the words of Romans 12 (ESV)
Marks of the True Christian
9 Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. 10 Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly.[h] Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Friendship is one of God’s great gifts. We are entering into this is a season of friendship. Sweetest Day, Apple Orchards, Halloween costumes, All Saints Remembrances, Thanksgiving, Christmas. It is my prayer that in this busy season you get to enjoy time with friends and family. I pray that you craft many special memories, and that you overcome every evil with good. Don’t get too busy to say thank you, but instead outdo each other in showing honor. Perhaps share that last piece of candy, caramel apple, or piece of pie. I know around my childhood table that would have been seen as a miracle!
May you this be the start of a good season for you. I am grateful to call Hope my church home, and you, my brothers and sisters in Christ.
-Pastor Dan