I recently read an interesting anecdote regarding Sam Nunn. Nunn served as the Senator from Georgia for 24 years. After he announced that he wouldn性视界传媒檛 seek re-election, reporters wanted to know what he considered his greatest accomplishment during those years. He surprised them when he said keeping his family together and helping his wife raise two wonderful children was his most important accomplishment.
When a reporter scoffed and asked more directly what laws he got passed, the retiring senator paused. He answered with a story about his daughter and her friends starting an organization called 性视界传媒淗ands on Atlanta.性视界传媒 They wanted to make volunteering to help those in need fun, efficient, and exciting for young people. After just five years, 10,000 volunteers rendered about 20,000 hours of one-on-one service each month. Senator Nunn asked, 性视界传媒淲hat laws have I passed that have had this impact?性视界传媒
The senator explained that while Congress can pass laws, attempting to change behavior, they cannot instill, influence, and nurture values like a parent can. For example, Congress can pass laws to protect civil rights and promote equal rights, but they cannot force people of different races to love each other. He concluded that his most important accomplishment came down to personal responsibility for those he could directly influence. How he led and cared for others affected how they led and cared for others and so on. Senator Nunn understood his greatest job.
Prior to the crucifixion of Christ Jesus, Peter denied knowing the Lord. In one of my favorite Bible passages, found in John 21, we find Christ returning to the shores of the Galilee for fellowship with His frightened disciples. In verses 15 and 16, He confronts Peter with specific questions about his allegiance and the depth of his love for the Savior. Jesus responds to Peter by telling him to feed, take care of and tend His sheep.
These verses are metaphors given to illustrate the importance of a total commitment of love and service to others, especially those who are family and close friends. It appears that Jesus was saying, 性视界传媒淏e devoted to the Lord性视界传媒檚 service and care for your flock. Continually feed, encourage and nurture those for whom you are responsible. That性视界传媒檚 your job. That性视界传媒檚 the job I性视界传媒檝e given you to do. Come along beside them; give them what they need. Point them in My direction.性视界传媒
Many people have important jobs that make big differences in the world, help others, prevent tragedy or form our communities, but I can think of no greater honor or reward than to assume the responsibility of inspiring others. Jesus modeled this with His disciples. Now, we are given this opportunity with others, especially those who are parents. Our greatest job is the one that starts at home, living out our faith, modeling our values and taking up the responsibility of leadership for our loved ones.
This week, consider the difference that living out your faith in front of others makes. Many of us find great satisfaction in our jobs, and many others simply work to put food on the table. Either way, earning a paycheck and saving for the future are important. However, don性视界传媒檛 lose sight of your greatest investments.
