Backward Feet -
By Steven F. Deaton
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“A woman, born with a rare condition, has refused to be classified as disabled.” So said the news report (click here for article). The Chinese woman reportedly runs faster than any of her friends and holds a steady job as a waitress. She said she is normal, “except of course that I put my shoes on backwards.” The story was prompted by the fact she turned down a disability check. Would the world be better off with more people like her? What would your attitude be if your feet were backward? Do you suppose this woman was picked on growing up? Yet, she did not use these as an excuse to give up living a “normal” life. Paul went through man hardships, but still lived for the Lord. He suffered want, but continued to preach the gospel (Phil. 4:10-13). He was physically afflicted, yet remained faithful recognizing the goodness of his ailment (2 Cor. 12:7-10). Job serves as another biblical example. He lost his property and children in one day (Job 1). His wife gave him up for dead (Job 2:9). His friends then piled on by accusing him of sin. Still, Job persevered and was blessed in the end (Jas. 5:11). How many people have used lesser conditions and circumstances as an excuse not to work? The Bible says if anyone will not work, neither should they eat (2 Thes. 3:10). If a man has the ability to work, but does not, he should starve. The Chinese woman with backward feet works at an arguably tough job—dealing with customers, as well as being on her backward feet a lot. Do we use relatively minor physical problems to get in the way of working for the Lord? The congregation where I preach has a number of older people. One lady had a stroke years ago and has to have help in and out of the building. She, too, holds down a regular job. Three other older women (I think all in their 70s or 80s) come to services using walkers. One couple, around 90, came in the other day leaning on each other for support. Great examples to us all! The rest of us need to put aside our insignificant problems and simply serve the Lord. Whether it’s going to Bible classes or worship services, or going to visit someone, talking to our neighbor about the gospel, or any number of other things, we just need to suck it up and do it. Our outward man may be in bad shape and perishing, but it does not matter as long as our inward man is being renewed day by day. Doing our humble duty will ensure our inner well-being. Get to it. |
To everything there is a season, |
