Aclassmate of mine in college had a motto above his study desk that read: I’M THIRD. One evening we asked him what it was all about. He explained, “It is how I try to live my life. God first, others second, I’m third.” Not bad!
Let me tell you a story. It is a story a friend shared with Chaplain Charles Edwards. He shared it with me. Now I want to share it with you.
Once upon a time there was a shipwreck in the South Pacific, and two men, the only survivors, found themselves castaways on a tiny barren island. Not knowing of anything better to do under the circumstance, they decided to pray. However, to find out whose prayer was the most powerful, they agreed to divide the territory between them and each stay on opposite sides.
First they each prayed for food. The next day the first man found a tree loaded with apples. His problem of food was solved. The second man’s land remained barren.
After weeks of eating apples the first man prayed for a house, clothes and more food. The next day, like magic, they were given. Still the second man had nothing. Time passed and the first man felt lonely. He prayed for a wife. The next day a young woman swam up on his side of the island. Still the second man had nothing.
Finally, the first man prayed for a ship, so he and his wife could leave the island. The following morning, in answer to his prayer, a ship docked on his side of the island. He and his wife boarded the ship to go home.
Deeming the second man unworthy of God’s blessings, since none of his prayers were answered, he decided to leave him on the island. Just as the ship was weighing anchor to sail away, the first man heard a booming voice from heaven, “Why are you leaving your companion behind?”
“My blessings are mine,” the first man said, “I prayed for them.” He had no prayers answered, so he deserves nothing.” The voice rebuked him, “You are badly mistaken! Your friend prayed only one prayer and I answered it. Had it not been for his prayer you wouldn’t have received any of my blessings.”
“Tell me,” said the first man, “What did he pray for that I should owe him anything?” The voice replied, “He prayed that all of your prayers would be answered.”
Who knows, your blessings—and mine may not be the results of our prayers alone. They may come from others praying for us.
It is a great truth: What we do for others is more important than what we do for ourselves.
Clyde Nichols is a retired minister, having served First Christian Church in Temple for 27 years as senior minister. He is the author of three books of devotionals and writes a religious column for several Texas newspapers.
“This is the victory that overcomes the world—our faith.” (I John 5:4)
- Log in or Subscribe to post comments.