Monday, October 1, 2001
Monday, October 1, 2001
Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary, repay
with a
blessing. It is for this that you were called that you might inherit a blessing.
One day Martin was visited by an old peasant passing through his city. He said to
Martin, "Thy
speech, Martin, is not good. How shall we judge the doings of God? It is because thou
would
have lived for thine own delight that thou dost despair."
"But what is a man to live for" inquired Martin. The old pilgrim answered, "For God,
Martin. He
gave thee life and for Him thou must live. Then thou wilt grieve about nothing more,
and all
things will come easy to thee."
The story continues with Martin finding fulfillment in serving God by serving others.
Many of us
would find life more fulfilling too if we understood that we have been blessed primarily
so that we
can be a blessing.
(1
Peter 3:9
NRSV)
Leo Tolstoy wrote the story of a Russian cobbler named Martin Avdyeeich. Martin lived
in a
cellar with a single window. From his vantage point he saw mostly boots of those who
passed
by. Few there were that had not been touched by his hand. While Martin was still a
journeyman
his wife died. Their one son grew to be the pride of his life. Then he too died suddenly,
leaving
Martin despairing and murmuring against God.
Dear Jesus, help me to be a blessing to others as you have been a great blessing to
me. Amen.
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