Mike Paschall . com

I put this up again mainly because I can’t stop watching it. We think our little pile defines humanness. We must expand our hearts and vision for the common union that already exists.

Jesus said, “But remember the root command: love one another.” John 15:17, MSG

Strong’s Concordance tells us that the word “love” is  ἀγαπάω pronounced ag-ap-ah´-o;  to love (in a social or moral sense). The words were intended for more than the few that heard them. He always meant more than we’ve ever understood.

Live every day inside this magnificent truth: GOD LOVES US ALL!

Mike

I remember when political advertisements on television used to focus on a candidate’s own positive agenda. My, oh my! How did we get to where we are? We used to just sling mud. Now it’s pure pig dung. Absolutely childish and totally disgusting. What a mess!

Enough with this nonsense.

My dad had a mantra for life: BE KIND. He harped constantly his gospel, “We can disagree, but for heaven’s sake, be kind and respectful.” The older I’ve gotten, the wiser my dad has become.

I noticed something last week that pretty much proved my dad’s banner. I’m working a gig right now that has me on the phone most of the day. I’m not fond of the phone, but I’m interested in helping people with something that is important to most of us. I talk to a lot of voicemails. What I say isn’t really that important, but how I speak to the intended client is vital. The job I do can’t really be done honestly if money is the only motivation. In fact, it’s the wrong business if a person is doing it solely for the cash. Equity and integrity are out the window if money is the only motivation. That makes the business about me. That’s bad voodoo.

Money is a great dividend. But, do you want a doctor operating on you because he or she gets paid good money to do it, or because that doctor feels called to use his or her God-given gift to help people?

Honestly, I can’t say that I love my job right now. But there are rays of light that ground me to the fact that people deserve respect and honesty. People notice the difference between “being sold something” and “being taken care of.” People do respond positively to kindness and genuine concern. That is something we should care about.

I play a game with myself before I put on the headset every day. My goal is to talk to people like they are distant cousins. Friends. Yes, even family. Believe it or not, sometimes they call me back to ask questions or dialogue about their situations.

I asked two different men why they called me back. Both replied, “You left a kind and respectful voicemail.” Sadly, that must not be the norm. Another woman told me, “You sound trustworthy. I need to talk to someone I can trust.” She doesn’t know me from a dried bagel, but something hit her heart.

This isn’t about me. Those of you who know me know I’m not all that. This is about our way with humanity. The moment we allow our visions and affections for entitlement to carve our paths, we’ve lost sight of what’s important.

“For heaven’s sake” might be a bit over-reaching. How about “for the sake of others,” or “for our own sakes” instead? Why not show the people we interact with some kindness and respect? Remember, we’re all dirt, we’re all cut from the same cloth, and God loves us all. Shouldn’t that be enough to exhibit some loving kindness?

Live every day inside this magnificent truth: GOD LOVES US ALL!

Mike