And try to take the path less traveled by/That first step you take is the longest stride – Nickelback
Living your life like every day is your last day. It is a thought provoking and challenging, if not impossible proposition. In a world obsessed with looking younger and living forever do we ever really stop to think about ‘the end’? Perhaps superficially, but if you are like me, you are more frustrated and concerned with today – why the coffee is too weak, computer is too slow, money is too tight, traffic such a nuisance, etc. In other words, we are blind to the needs of others in our ‘worries’ of today.
But what does Adonai tell us about our insecurities of this world?
Matthew 6:19-20
“I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?”
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I was fortunate to share reflections on the subject of compassion with a group at my church this past Monday night. Our thoughts centered on the most accurate definition of compassion. Was there a difference between compassion and empathy? Could we tell the difference? Unfortunately, as I researched the subject over the following days, it seems we certainly fell short of the biblical standard. We further discussed human suffering and our ability to ‘walk’ with those who needed our compassion.
As the basis of this conversation, we utilized the book “Compassion: A Reflection on the Christian Life”, a somewhat radical and challenging publication that made its own argument as to the true definition on the subject. In this book, its authors (Henri J.M. Nouwen, Donald P. McNeill, and Douglas A. Morrison) suggest individuals who are truly compassionate abandon their competitive selves and experience a ‘self-emptying for others.’
Tough teachings.
I was troubled when I arrived home Monday evening. Being a ‘conservative realist’, I felt distant from the opinion of some of the other participants. Was I cruel to my fellow man in need? Did I not truly absorb the intention of the writers? What was I missing? The measuring stick set by the authors seemed too distant, a calling best served by those of great wisdom, such as St. Frances of Assisi.
I lay awake as midnight turned into one on Tuesday morning, which shortly became 2am. I prayed for the answers.
Then it struck me – compassion is living each day as your last. Of course, the meaning behind it runs much deeper, the spiritual issues more powerful. If you had one day, just one single day left, how would you live that day?
Having one day left means embracing the word of Matthew – not worrying about your life, being generous with your money, giving your best clothes to the naked. It is defined by forgiving your enemy and praying for the atheist. It is loving your neighbor and visiting a sick relative or friend in the hospital. It is going to the prison to offer hope to those in despair.
In reality, what does the man with his last day on earth need of success or competition? Would it not be better to empower the poor with the fire of God’s Word than, say, play golf with the rich?
I recently had the opportunity to listen to a wise and reflective friend of mine who was called and became an inspirational Presbyterian Minister. Paul pointed out in a recent sermon that we cannot get to heaven by ourselves. There are no good deeds that allow us to climb to heaven, unless it is truly God’s will for us to do so. We receive the gift of Salvation and it is up to us to be good shepherds – ablaze with the Word. That is, Ablaze with the same compassion of God our heavenly Father.
One of the teachers in our group told a touching story Monday evening. He was a witness in the truest sense. As he reflected, he told the story of a poor man he would frequently see in Center City, Philadelphia. Some people would give the man nickels and dimes, others game him an occasional quarter. But he witnessed God’s true mercy for the man – while walking by the gentleman on a day like many others, a stranger sat with him near a steam pipe on a cold winter day and read him the bible.
It was God’s compassion in action. The teacher of the group was truly blessed and affected by this experience.
I reflected – on my last day, could I be so strong as to read the bible with the poor?
I am still praying over the idea of compassion in an effort to strengthen my convictions. In conclusion, I believe is it up to each individual to define how they will live a life of compassion. However, a person can only be lead to that place through prayer and self-reflection.
Will I ever walk in the words of Matthew? Will I live every day as if it is my last day?
Honestly – I don’t think so, but I will try.