Pastor’s Corner: A simple truth
Mitch Albom is a Michigan based author of several best-selling books, all of which I have read.
I just finished the one entitled: “The Next Person You Meet In Heaven.”
As I was reading, a simple paragraph jumped out at me. It did because it captures the ultimate mission of The Salvation Army, to which I have devoted most of my ministry life for God, now over 50 years.
Two of the book's main characters, Cleo and Annie, are having a conversation on loneliness:
“Have you ever considered how many living things there are on Earth?" Cleo asked. "People, animals, birds, fish, trees. It makes you wonder how anyone could feel lonely. Yet humans do, it’s a shame." Cleo looked to the sky, now a deep shade of purple. "We fear loneliness Annie, but loneliness itself does not exist. It has no form. It is merely a shadow that falls over us. And just as shadows die, when light changes, that sad feeling can depart, once we see the truth."
"What’s the truth?" Annie asks.
"That the end of loneliness is when someone needs you." Cleo smiled. "And the world is so full of need.”
A simple truth. Loneliness cannot exist if you are staying fully aware of your surroundings and seeking to meet the needs of others. Those needs may be physical, emotional, mental or Spiritual. When you are engaged in the lives of people in need, loneliness is usually not on your list of concerns.
Jesus put our lives in perspective in the book of Matthew Chapter 22 when He was asked what was the greatest commandment. His response was: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all you mind. This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself. All the Law and the Prophets hang on these two commandments.”
Simply stated, when we love God as He commands we will be filled with His love for people and our life will be so full there will be no room left for loneliness. Four easy to understand verses, a direct quote from Jesus can give our life full meaning and purpose. It can speak to all people, but is particularly directed to those who are Christ Followers.
This article originally appeared on Cheboygan Daily Tribune: Pastor’s Corner: A simple truth
