Jim’s simple story captures a common dilemma encountered while serving those around us…what happens when being otherly isn’t convenient? It seems that it’s easier for me to serve when things are on my terms: when I want to do it, using the money/talents/time that I want to give, and when it inconveniences me the least. This is probably one of the reasons why we think of programs when we think of service, because programs are all about fitting needs into our terms. I want to be the kind of person who graciously lends out the bike pump, even after it’s repeatedly been broken. But I still have a long way to go.
Is convenience a factor as you serve others?
Jim Fox is a pastor at Vineyard Community Church in Shoreline, WA.
I think most anyone would be foolish not to admit that (in)convenience can play a role in being otherly. Maybe a question is does it get any less frequent as being otherly is more intentional? At one point in my life I got pretty cynical about getting “kicked around” by people I’d gone way out of my way to help. I needed a real attitude adjustment. I’d prayed for a servant heart and who/what/why was I trying to be “otherly” for, anyway. I felt God answered my prayer, but I wasn’t enjoying the outcome. My motives needed a hard look. Ultimately I truly wanted to serve God and was relieved not to worry about getting approval from others. I found this poem that Mother Teresa had on the wall of one of her orphanages in Calcutta. It was very inspiring, and from what I’d seen, pretty true.
Convenience can be a factor. Expectations about how others act/react was also a factor for me. I also still have a long way to go, and still need to take a new look at this poem every now and then.
The version found written on the wall in Mother Teresa’s home for children in Calcutta:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.
-this version is credited to Mother Teresa
i love your videos, craig. they are really good. i haven’t had a chance to comment on them but know i’m listening…i loved this one, especially jim’s honesty about lying about the bike pump. it is so hard to be totally free with our stuff, to hold it all loosely, to be open and generous…to give up “us” for the sake of “others.” so good.
I love this story. I used the video yesterday morning as a a great illustration of 1.) how a simple thing like a bike pump can make an impact on a whole community and 2.) how silly we can be about our stuff. I challenged our church to give away their “bike pump” items – things that they have attached value to. Through their overwhelming response, we have gathered about 90% of the items we’ll need to completely furnish and outfit a 3-bedroom apartment for an immigrant family that is new to our community. Regardless of ideological, theological or philosophical differences, surely we can all agree that helping others and giving away to your community is, indeed, a VERY good thing. Thanks for telling this story!