By Free Republic | Created at 2024-12-08 01:40:39 | Updated at 2024-12-23 18:12:56
2 weeks ago
A wise person once said, "You can easily judge the character of a man by how he treats those who can do nothing to him or for him." (author unknown) Columnist Ann Landers put it this way, "The best index of a person’s character is how he treats people who can do him absolutely no good." In the Christian Scriptures, the Apostle Paul talks about entertaining "angels unawares." (Hebrews 13:1) What these writers are talking about here is more than an act. It’s an attitude - about life, about people, and most importantly, about the dignity and worth of every person. They’re referring to a life-cultivated habit of treating others with kindness, compassion, generosity and charity. Our true measure is best demonstrated by how we treat those from whom we have nothing personally to gain or lose, in the world’s sense, that is. Allow me to illustrate.
Many years ago reporters gathered at a Chicago railroad station to await the arrival of a newly selected Nobel Prize winner. As the six-feet-four inches tall giant, with bushy hair and a large mustache, stepped off the train, anxious reporters gathered around him. Amidst flashing cameras, important officials extended their hands and voiced how honored they were to meet the Nobel Laureate. He thanked them and then, looking over the crowd, asked to be excused for a moment. With quick steps he walked through the crowd until he reached an elderly woman who was struggling with two large suitcases.
Easily picking up the two bags in his big hands, smiling all the while, he graciously and attentively escorted the woman to a bus. As he helped her aboard, he extended to her his warmest wishes for a safe journey. Meanwhile, the anxious crowd had tagged along behind him, watching and taking in his every move. Turning to them he said, "Sorry to have kept you waiting." The man was Dr. Albert Schweitzer, the world-famous missionary doctor who had spent his life helping the poorest of the poor in Lambarene, Africa.
Said a member of the reception committee to one of the reporters: "That’s the first time I ever saw a sermon walking."
CAPT Jane F. Vieira, CHC, USN
