Be the shining example

August 24, 2016 | 13 comments

“Treat everyone with politeness, even those who are rude to you,

not because they are nice but because you are.”

~ Unknown

13 thoughts on “Be the shining example”

  1. That’s such a noble thought Evan. I am reminded of this citation “At all times and under all circumstances overcome evil with good. Know thyself, and God will supply the wisdom and the occasion for a victory over evil. Clad in the panoply of Love, human hatred can not reach you.” Mary Baker Eddy.
    It is such a blessing to be good at all times, even during times when our innocence and goodness is misunderstood. Any good deed done with an expectation for good in return, often brings disappointment. Good should be done without any strings attached otherwise it becomes business. Isn’t it?
    If noble deeds are done, certainly they come back manifold. And if they are done with a generous heart and out of pure selflessness and good motives, the reward certainly comes directly from God. Then nothing can and nothing should stop us from doing good.
    The worse thing is when our good deeds neither receive acknowledgement nor even a “Thank you” but gravely misunderstood. Its very hurtful. So its always better to offer all our good deeds as acts of devotion to God. Then no matter what, nothing can touch us.
    When we do everything that we do for God, we are above human hatred or human indifference. After all, “God knows everything, He is the all knowing, all seeing, all acting, all wise, all loving.” Nothing we do goes to waste. Its valued highly by God. “The good you do and embody, gives you the only power obtainable.” says Mary Baker Eddy.

    1. Hi Nergish,
      You said, “Good should be done without any strings attached otherwise it becomes business.”
      This statement of yours – a true statement – reminds me of Jesus’ similar words to his followers, “You cannot serve God and mammon.” We cannot serve God in a business sense either, What is done for God is done freely, and often done in secret.
      I like reading your comments Nergish.

  2. Thank you Evan for this good maxim – I mean the second part : … because we are nice!
    Yes, I just was in such a situation with a church member. He said to me that I am rude with that what I wrote to him. But then I answered him, declaring in a more soft tone what I really ment so that he can see that there is no rude thought in it. I hope he is calmed through my declaring answer. I meanwhile know that we both are acting under the devine law of Love, so neither of us can understand something wrong. I think that heals the situation.
    Am grateful for your so helpful Spirit/View and for the comentators!

  3. Thank you, Nergish, for this line:” So its always better to offer all our good deeds as acts of devotion to God.” What a wonderful way to live. Trying to please humans often falls flat. But offering up good deeds as acts of devotion to God, well that’s a whole different way to live. I simply love that idea! Gracias!

  4. This certainly follows the Golden Rule to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and as expanded in the 6th Tenet of Christian Science, “And we solemnly promise to watch, and pray for that Mind to be in us which was also in Christ Jesus; to do unto others as we would have them do unto us; and to be merciful, just, and pure.” (Church Manual page 16)i

  5. Thanks for this, Evan! “Don’t React, Respond……with Love!” I think it’s just the so-called human ego that feels hurt or wants to strike back……but we are governed by God, Divine Love. So …….stop……find your center in Mind …….and Let Love Take the Lead! Thank You, Nergish, for your Comment!

  6. If we say and do everything “for the glory of God” that’s all the joy and fulfillment we need. Negativity of any kind cannot hang around under the searchlight of Truth and Love.

  7. Hi, Evan – I had to laugh at your post! I learned that the hard way when someone I was once close to took an sudden turn without reason that I could figure out and was so incredibly rude. Wasn’t certain what to do and the thought came, I’m not mad or upset with that individual so I will not return in kind – and would act completely and naturally normal and kind, being thoughtful in respecting their need for distance. Even though the behavior hasn’t changed, I am so completely comfortable and it doesn’t seem to any longer be negative to others who may be aware of it. Just because someone else has a “cold” doesn’t mean I have to sneeze!!

  8. Hi, Evan – I had to laugh at your post! I learned that the hard way when someone I was once close to took an sudden turn without reason that I could figure out and was so incredibly rude. Wasn’t certain what to do and the thought came, I’m not mad or upset with that individual so I will not return in kind – and would act completely and naturally normal and kind, being thoughtful in respecting their need for distance. Even though the behavior hasn’t changed, I am so completely comfortable and it doesn’t seem to any longer be negative to others who may be aware of it. Just because someone else has a “cold” doesn’t mean I have to sneeze!!

  9. So glad I went back and read this lesson. It expanded Thursday’s blog. Loved the sneeze as well. All these thoughts are all very helpful. I’ve always tried to not take offense . I have faith that God always has my back in all ways!

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