‘How are you doing?’

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How are you doing is a question that you really don’t want to ask some people. If you do, you might get a laundry list of things that are wrong. It is amazing how many people find their identity in their troubles. I am not being hard on those people because I have caught myself doing the same thing.

I might tell my wife Glenda that my head hurts but she will stop me as I am elaborating on my headache and respond by saying something like: “If you have a headache, just take an aspirin.”

That is not what I wanted to hear. I wanted some sympathy like,”I’m so sorry; I feel so bad for you. Let me get you an aspirin; it will help make it all better, sweetheart.”

I guess I want her to enter into my pain and feel bad because I do. What would make me do that?

I have heard all of my life that misery loves company and I can see that is true. We tend to want people to be as bad off as we are. We don’t want to celebrate when people do better than we do. It is the result of our basic nature which is selfish.

Philippians 2:3-4; Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. Let each of you look out not only for his own interest, but also for the interest of others.

If we really want to do better, we should obey this scripture. If I have a headache and complain to Glenda, it does nothing for her. It is all about me.

When Jesus was asked what was the most important commandment, he said in Matthew 22:37-39; “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

I guess if I really love someone I will esteem them better than myself. Sorry Glenda for wanting you to enter into my misery. Next time I will just take an aspirin.

Everyday issues are being addressed at the Gathering Place every Wednesday evening at 7 and Sunday morning at 9:30 and 10:30. Come and join us.

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By Pastor John Pfeifer

Getting Ahead

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