Quiet Blessings

George Washington Carver was a brilliant scientist who could have chased international fame, notoriety, and wealth. Instead, he chose a quiet life focused on helping his neighbors who were mostly poor, rural farmers. He used his scientific skills to help improve their soil and crops. He woke up early, worked diligently with his hands, and deliberately avoided political conflicts and any sort of personal fame. His quiet lifestyle and deep respect for the community made him a beloved and trusted neighbor. He was a living example of 1 Thessalonians 4:11, which says, "...aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands…” In other words, be a good neighbor. Don’t give them a reason to consider you anything but a good neighbor. I think this is what it means to love our neighbor “as we love ourselves.”

A few months ago when Josiah asked the church family, “What do you think makes a good neighbor,” many of you had some very specific things come to mind. The question I ask you today is, are you that type of neighbor? Do you live in such a way that others would want to live near you, work with you, or call you family? 

I believe the “Art of Neighboring” requires active engagement. The New Testament also emphasizes the quiet beauty of a peaceful life. We are taught in Romans, “If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all." (Romans 12:18 ESV) The ALL part of this is even with those neighbors you would not choose. I like the way Scottish author George MacDonald puts it: "People must not choose their neighbors; they must take the neighbors that God sends them." We do not always get to choose who we live next to, but we can choose to love them and live in such a way that they see God’s light in us. "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16 ESV)

I don't know what grade you would give yourself as a neighbor, but I would guess that we all have a little room for improvement. I pray we take the steps to get better at loving our neighbors as we care for ourselves. 

Expectantly, 

Shawn 

P.S. Please join me in praying for the Hershey and Pyle families as they mourn the loss of Bob Hershey’s father, William Heidinger, who passed away last week. His obituary is here. We are also lifting in prayer the family and friends of Marguerite Charvat who passed away unexpectedly over the weekend.