Words that last
Most writers I suppose would like to think that their words will be, if not like those of Shakespeare, as least somewhat long-lasting. But there are words that will be, that will be around as long as time is.
These words are
those of Christ Jesus, who once said, "Heaven and earth shall pass away,
but my words shall not pass away." And they have not, as Mary Baker
Eddy says in one of her books. They are as timely and potent and
life-giving today as when they were first spoken.
Recently we saw a
documentary about Mahatma Gandhi when someting the narrator said jumped out at
me. Gandhi, he said, would tell his fellow Hindus "unless you study
reverentially all the teachings of Jesus, your life will be
incomplete." And he added, "Gandhi loved Jesus."
So powerful are
our Master's teachings, I couldn't help thinking about the lives of those
Indians who were transformed as something Jesus said took root in their thoughts
and hearts. This was the case with Felix Mendelssohn, composer of
glorious music, who happened to pick up a New Testament one day and was forever
changed by a statement of Christ's. Although brought up as a Jew,
Mendelssohn at once converted to Christianity.
My life would
certainly be incomplete without God's Word. More than this, life would
lack joy and peace, and a sense of divine power with which to overcome
difficulties that arise. How have Jesus' words impacted my life for good,
you may wonder? How have these sublime saysings not had an influence for good.
I could fill a
book with real-life examples, but let me give just this one. I was
working at an international daily newspaper. My desk was right across
from a woman who was a long-time employee in the newsroom. In fact, she
was secretary to the Editor and wielded a lot of clout. For some reason,
she took a dislike to me and over time, began to make my life miserable.
Things became so bad, I dreaded going to work each day.
Finally, I reached
out to a friend who was experienced in helping people with their
problems. After a lengthy recital of the wrongs being done to me (I
thought), I paused to hear this Christian Science practitioner and teacher ask,
"Do you really want to be free?" This was quite unexpected, but
I said, "Of course I do." "Then you will have to love this
lady", my friend said. "There is no other way."
Shocked was a mild word to describe what I was feeling. Didn't you hear
what I said? I wanted to say. Clearly, I was in the right, and it was my
co-worker who needed to change.
However, after I
hung up the phone, what this woman said began to take hold. It was plain
that if I wanted to be obedient to Christ's commands, I would have to tackle
this the right way. To say that this seemed insurmountable was an
understatement. And I recall one afternoon while waiting for a commuter
train out to the suburbs, I was walking up and down that platform in tears, so
hard did it seem to get over my resentment of the fellow worker. "I
can't do this", I said to God. "Ask me to love anyone but
her." Eventually, however, Christ got the victory, and by the time
my co-worker retired, we were very good friends, someone I was going to miss a
lot.
Our Master spoke
words that will last. And so will we -- eternally -- as we live by what He said.
Sharon, I loved this article.
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