What matters most

Have you ever felt compelled inside to talk to someone or help someone, but didn’t because you were scared you would get rejected by your peers, social class or even your family? If you are reading this and wonder “Man I have done that?” then keep reading this.

Once I heard a story of highly educated church leaders. Twelve to thirteen of them had an early morning meeting one Sunday and as they all got in there cares and drove off, on the way to the church building there was a van with a family in it stuck in the mud. These men, in there suits, white shirts and ties drove by thinking, ‘I have to get to the meeting’. As these men showed up and were waiting for the meeting to start, their leader not there. They waited and waited, but still, no leader. Finally, the door opened up and in walked their leader his suit and white shirt, covered in mud and said, “Sorry I am late.” Does the way we dress influence our culture and how we treat someone else? Does the money and image we have keep us from doing what is right? Are we governed by what is popular and what others think, rather then what we know within our heart that it is right?

Put yourself in these shoes: you just went into the mall and bought a brand new outfit, with fancy new shoes. You then head back to your house and notice a car stuck two feet deep in mud and five yards off the road. As you have an urge to help them, but notice that you are wearing your new outfit and don’t want to get it dirty, would you stop? Or would keep diving? Would you let your clothes influence you? Have you ever had thoughts of “I can’t talk to him or her because he is not my type or he looks weird”? Have you ever said, “I am way better so I can’t talk to him,” or “Why is this guy or girl talking to me? They’re not as cool as I am” Does our culture effect the way we act? Yes it does. I am not perfect, I still judge and still think like this sometimes, but I am trying.

There are two points that I would like to talk about that I have learned in my life. One is the fear of rejection or the fear of what others think. “If I help this person will my friends disown me because they’re not part of our group?” Or, “If I help this person my popularity will decrease.” Friends, don’t listen to that lie. It is only life, you don’t know what your friends think or how they will react. After all, it only takes twenty insane seconds of courage to do the right thing and others will follow.

The second thing is to check yourself. I have to do this every day, multiple times a day. I ask myself: “WHAT MATTERS MOST”. Is it the clothes, the money, or your image that matters or is helping someone’s soul be healed? Is it the grade that matters or is it what you learn that matters most? You can always buy new clothes and shoes, you can always earn more money. YOU CAN NEVER BRING BACK AN OPPUTUNITY THAT YOU LOST. And some of the words that hurt us the most are: “I should have done that.” I should have been kinder, I regret not helping. I should have done this or I should have done that. My friends, you have the power inside you. Next time you don’t want to talk to someone or help someone out for fear or rejection, ask yourself what matters most and do it. Flip the switch and watch your feelings inside of you change as you take the stand and do it. Live your life with passion and love because we are all good enough.