Do We Really Care?

Do We Really Care?

 “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves”

Philippians 2:3 NIV

It’s time for a pop quiz. I’m sure you’ll know the answer to the quiz, unless you weren’t in worship with me this past Sunday. Here’s the one question on the quiz . . . “What was the one take-away from this past Sunday’s message?” In fact, so I don’t get any complaints, I’ll make this quiz a fill-in-the-blank: When life is __________, God is __________. Time’s up. Pencils down. Here’s the answer: When life is difficult, God is good. If you really want the whole message, check out our Facebook page (Mt. Laurel Church of God) or search “Mt. Laurel Church of God” on YouTube.

Let’s face it. Some of the members of our church family are going through some difficult times. Lynn is still on the mend. Gloria is still wearing a boot on her foot. Bill, though home now at this writing, is waiting for Mim to come home from the hospital. And Craig . . . who expects to wake up from surgery not being able to swallow? Oh, the things we take for granted!

My challenge and encouragement for you today, my friend, is: What are you doing to show that you care about these people? Theodore Roosevelt is credited with saying, “People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care.” No one is quite sure who first said, “Actions speak louder than words,” but it’s true, isn’t it?

Even though the North American Indians had no written alphabet before they met the white man, their language was far from primitive. Their vocabulary was as large as that of their French and English conquerors. Often, their expressions were far more eloquent. In an Indian tongue, for example, the concept for the word friend is beautifully stated as “one-who-carries-my-sorrows-on-his-back.”

         A friend or family member who comes to you for solace very often wants nothing more than your presence, your listening ear, and your quiet caring. A young man discovered this shortly after his marriage. His wife often came home from her job telling of the difficulties she faced during her day. His response was to offer suggestions and give solutions. His wife finally said to him, “I’ve already solved the problems of the day.”

         The husband asked, perplexed, “Then why are you telling me about them?”

         She replied, “I don’t need Mr. Fixit. I need a loving listening ear.”

         The friend who provides both physical and emotional shelter is a true haven, one who helps another weather a storm in safety. Some of you may have the opportunity in the coming days and/or weeks to be a friend who is just present and not expected to have all the answers. You say you “care,” but will you be willing to put feet on your prayers and BE THERE for that someone who needs you to love them and care for them?



People don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care!

Thanks for reading Pastor Dale’s Mid-Week Encouragement.  If you’re a regular attender or member of the Mt. Laurel Church of God, you might want to consider reading Isaiah 1:1, 10-20 to get yourself ready to hear God’s message through Pastor Dale this coming Sunday, August 10.

Called to know the Way, go the Way, and show you the Way,

^{Pastor Dale}

Pastor Dale (PD) and Pamela his wife are honored to serve the Mt. Laurel Church of God. If this Mid-Week Encouragement has helped you, perhaps it may encourage someone else. Feel free to share this message with anyone you choose. And if you'd like to receive PD's Mid-Week Encouragement, just send an email to (kingdomguy@gmail.com) and I'll accommodate your request.