(Jesus said) "And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to Myself." John 12:32
As we grow older, sometimes our view of life changes.
That can be good or bad. Here's an example of the good. After heavyweight boxing champion "Jersey Joe" Walcott retired, he was elected sheriff of Camden County, New Jersey. Jersey Joe commented that in his fighting days he thought "the greatest man was the one who could knock the most people down," but now he believed it was "the one who could pick the most people up."
Jersey Joe had come a long way.
It's amazing to me how many people -- and countries -- still think they are big because they can knock others down.
I'm not necessarily talking about knocking someone down with force or by the use of overwhelming firepower by the military. It is possible to knock someone down with words, by inconsideration, with selfishness, or cruelty.
In my opinion, those are the actions of a very small individual.
No, to be a really big person, you should follow the example of the Savior. Read the Gospels and you will see that Jesus made it His business to pick people up.
By grace Jesus lifted up many from discouragement and depression, sadness and sin. As God's Son, Jesus knew from the beginning what it took Jersey Joe a lifetime to figure out. The biggest person is the one who lifts others up.
Will you be that kind of big person? I certainly hope so.
I hope you will -- in Jesus' Name and following Jesus' example -- lift somebody up.
From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord Jesus, You not only lift me up, but often carry me when I am helpless. Please help me reflect Your love into the lives of others. May I, by the Holy Spirit's power, lift up those who have been knocked down by sin and Satan. May I do this in the Name of Jesus. Amen.
In Christ I remain His servant and yours,
Pastor Ken Klaus
Speaker emeritus of The Lutheran Hour®
Lutheran Hour Ministries
Today's Bible Readings: Joshua 16-18 Luke 11:1-28
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