Devotional for Tuesday, September 20, 2016
“Greater Love Will Serve Others”
by Dona Hake
Today I would like to share with you the truth of putting others before yourself. I would like to share a story with you that I heard this past September 11th. There were so many stories that were so touching to the heart as people stepped forward and shared what happened to them on that dreadful day. Every year that I have watched the ceremony and people sharing recollections of that horrific day, I have found that more and more people have come forward to share new stories that have never been told. Of all that I heard that day, this one in particular touched my heart deeply.
When the one tower was hit people were trying to escape through a particular doorway. There was one man that kept holding the door so people could escape the building. I believe that he chose to do this to maintain order in the midst of fear and panic. Many, many people remembered the man that stood at the door and held it so that they could get out calmly and quickly. As time passed those people inquired of his well-being by asking his family how he was doing to find out that he lost his life that day because he could not escape on time. He chose rather to stay and hold the door so that others would be able to get out.
I found this to be such a testimony of someone that in the time of panic and fear, that he chose to not think of himself but rather remain calm and assist others. My heart was so touched by this story, and it challenged my heart. His son had shared in this interview and he spoke of his father as being just a very special kind of person. One that was always thinking how could he could help someone else before he thought of his own needs. What a testimony of his life that is and will be especially to those that were able to get out in a timely manner because he helped them that day.
I pray that what I shared today will challenge your heart to think of others before yourself. Many times it is human nature to help only when is it is convenient, but let us ask our Lord to help us to put others ahead of us even in times when it is not convenient . I think of how this man probably also was afraid, but what a selfless act he did to think of others before himself.
Philippians 2:3-4
In whatever you do, don’t let selfishness or pride be your guide. Be humble, and honor others more than yourselves.
Don’t be interested only in your own life, but care about the lives of others too.