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Remember those who helped you up

There is hope and a brighter future when we remember who was there for us on our way up.

GREG RATHJEN

There is hope and a brighter future when we remember who was there for us on our way up. In life many people want to be in with the popular or important people. Sometimes we just want to be recognized and appreciated.

Often the people who stand by us when we are hurting and struggling get forgotten when things turn around and we are doing better.

There is an attraction at times to people who never cared about us till we won the lottery.

I saw pictures and a story of a ‘nice couple in love’. He is an old 73 and worth multi-billions. She, the new bride is a real looker and just 25. She says she is very deeply in love with him.

With a quick romance, they got married and he is so in love the senior groom was thrilled to will half of his multi-billion fortune to his loving caring romantic young wife. I trust this true love works out for a long time.

We are reminded in James 2: 5-7, if impressed with people’s wealth, power and position to be careful, “Listen, dear friends. Isn’t it clear by now that God operates quite differently? He chose the world’s down-and-out as the kingdom’s first citizens, with full rights and privileges. This kingdom is promised to anyone who loves God. And here you are abusing these same citizens!

Isn’t it the high and mighty who exploit you, who use the courts to rob you blind?

Aren’t they the ones who scorn the new name— ‘Christian’?”

If we seek to be recognized by ‘important people’, we are slaves to their slightest call or wish. I remember a friend who wrote regularly sending lots of money to a tele-evangelist promoter.

He got personal letters all the time saying, “Dear Harry I was thinking about you.”

When this speaker came to town my friend thought he would be able to spend just five minutes with his ‘personal friend’ who kept writing and asking for his financial help. If he could get this special person to pray for him God would answer.

He didn’t know if he and his wife in shared prayer together had greater answers than a money raiser who used a computer to make my friend think he knew him.

I am sure glad the Good Lord keeps the books on who is using tricks and who is sincere.

We are told many will say, “Lord we did all these things for you?” And He will say, “I never knew you!”

As you look at this quote, it is good advice, “Never forget who was there when no one else was.”

For some it may even mean remembering our parents with thanks.

Many have had a spouse who worked tirelessly so they could get their education and degree.

Sadly while they remain faithful to the good of the couple, some after accomplishing their dream now feel a disconnect then to the spouse whose support helped them rise in position, leaving them for greener partners.

A very good friend and songwriter wrote these words to a catchy tune. “Be nice to the little guy on his way up because you will meet him on your way down.”

We are taught in the scriptures what is called the golden rule.

“Treat others the way you want to be treated.”

If we don’t want to be passed over and forgotten when we have invested in another’s success, though we are not in control of who others remember or honour, we are in control of whom we remember and give honour to.

It is so important that we don’t forget those who have helped us along in life. We are told to give honour where honour is due. Maybe it would be good this summer to make a list and see if some have quietly slipped through the cracks and take time to say thanks.

Greg Rathjen is the pastor at Bentley Community Church.

IN GOOD FAITH