consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not
only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others. Your
attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus. Philippians 2:3-8
is the standard. And, it is hard to de-program yourself to thinking first about
others. Especially, when throughout one's young & mid- adult life, it is all about
"ME" -- getting the best education you can; landing the best job, with the best
company; and being ranked at the top performance levels.
At some point, though, we stopped and queried, "when is enough, enough?"
When do you stop living for yourself -- or perhaps more aptly -- when do you stop
giving your All to your job, leaving only scraps for family and nothing for others? Its
a tough question that, quite frankly, we really did not relish exploring. But like the
scientists we are, we could not help poking and prying at the issue, examining it
from all angles, coming to the inevitable conclusion, that as Christians, we really
don't have the option! For as the Bible says:
"Teacher, which is the greatest commandment in the Law?" Jesus replied: "`Love
the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your 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." Matthew 22:36-40.
It occurred to us, how can you love your neighbor, if you don't know your neighbor?
How can you help people, if you isolate yourselves and do not initiate contact?
We realized we had to get out of our "comfort" zone -- also known as "rut" -- to
start spiritually growing as God desires for us and commands us.
The following are some things in which we are involved and that may, perhaps,
trigger some ideas for your own spiritual growth:
(1) New Life International -- providing water purifiers to the "poorest of the poor"
who are dying because of unsanitary water conditions. New Life also provides
water purifiers to those countries experiencing natural and war-time disasters.
(2) Congregational Church of Salem Youth Group Outreach (grades 5-12) -- these
kids are desperately seeking guidance and role-modeling that, in many cases, is
not available in their own home-life.
(3) Congregational Church of Salem Missions Committee Members -- exploring
opportunities to support missionaries who spread the Gospel throughout the world.
