Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Philippians 2:3
THE HORSE AND THE GOAT
There was a farmer who had a horse and a goat. One day, the horse became ill and the farmer called the veterinarian who said, "Well, your horse has an infection. He must take this medicine for three days. I'll come back on the third day and if he's not better, we're going to have to put him down.
Nearby, the goat listened closely to their conversation. The next day, the farmer gave the horse his medicine and left. The goat approached the horse and said, "Be strong, my friend. Get up or else they're going to put you to sleep!"
GET UP OR THEY'LL KILL YOU
On the second day, the farmer gave the horse its medicine and once again left. The goat came back and said, "Come on buddy, get up or else you're going to die! Come on, I'll help you get up. Let's go -- one, two, three...
On the third day, the farmer came once more and gave the horse its medicine. When the vet arrived he said, "I will give your horse one last day on the medicine to get better, but if he doesn't -- we're going to have to put him down tomorrow. Otherwise, the virus will spread and infect the other horses.
MOVE NOW OR DIE
After they left, the goat approached the horse and emphatically said, "Listen, pal, it's now or never! Get up, come on!! Have courage, come on! Get up! Get up!" The horse slowly began to move. "That's it, slowly! You're doing great! Come on, one, two, three... " the goat excitedly said!!
The horse stood to his feet and the goat continued to encourage him. "Good, you're doing good. Come on, walk with me. Now faster, come on... Fantastic! Run, run more! Yes! Yay! You did it, you're a champion!" the goat cheered on!
All of a sudden, the farmer came back and saw the horse running in the field and he began shouting, "It's a miracle!! My horse is cured!! We must have a grand old party. Let's have a feast and kill the goat!!"
NO GOOD DEED...
How often is someone passed by or overlooked for their merit of success, their contributing to someone else's success or is behind the scenes providing the necessary support to make things happen for the success of everyone??
We all want recognition and acknowledgment -- still, it is important and it is an accomplishment in itself, for us to learn to live quietly without appreciation or tribute.
SIMPLY LOVE
Our Lord took on the status of a slave -- and when He has made a difference in our lives, we too will care more for others than ourselves. We will love others with their interests placed above our own.
We will truly love one another -- just as Christ loves us when we refuse to put our energies and efforts into just ourselves. Setting aside self is an investment in other's lives as well as our own -- the benefits and profits from caring for others first, far outweigh any immediate gratification we could ask for when we think only of ourselves.
RELEASING OURSELVES TO THE LORD
Peace, joy, favor, and faith come when we release ourselves fully to the Lord. This goes against all the admonitions of the world -- to take care of "self and self alone!"
So, lend a helping hand -- encourage one another... learn to simply and sincerely to love others as Jesus has loved us!