[ebankole]

A TREE DOES NOT MAKE A FOREST

General Reading-Philippians 2:5-7
Memory Verse- Proverbs 63:27

Therefore, comfort one another and edify one another just as you also are doing. 1 Thessalonians 5:11

It is true to say that you are a product of many hands. Who you have become today is a joint effort and product of many cares. No human being anywhere in the world can ever boast to have made it all alone from the womb to adulthood. Your life is a reflection of many sacrifices. Many times, some people had exchanged their comforts that you may succeed and proceed in your life journey. This is a beautiful cycle that all of us enjoy at one point or the other. Knowing that this is the truth of all lives, it amazes me when I hear people claim to have been self made. The truth is that anyone who claims so, is the very one who has received the greatest help but is looking for a legitimate way to be an ingrate. Apart from the help that we receive from men, our ultimate help has been from the Lord. Do you still remember when it seems as if all help is gone, yet somehow, miraculously you pulled through the situation? That is the mighty hand of God at work for you. The Bible says in Romans 8:28:

And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according His purpose. 
 
The mighty hands of God’s love have refused to leave you alone because God is not just your God but you Father. If you have received love, will it be wrong if you show and give love? If you have received care and sacrifices, will be out of place if you do the same for others? If you refuse to give forth what you received, you are like a pond full of dead materials. You are the salt of the earth, but if you refuse to use your saltiness to season and preserve other lives, you will be like the saltiness of the Dead Sea which has no future or usefulness.

Don’t be an island all to yourself, for it is a great deceit for anyone to be so. Just as you were made by others, you can contribute immensely to build others. You cannot be great all by yourself, your enduring greatness lies in the bosom of others that you have helped to establish.

I have seen that no matter how much wealth you have, if you do not invest them wisely - especially in making others wealthy - the wealth will soon be useless. Every wealth that is not properly invested in the lives of others will soon become a product for the waste place. Make a choice today to contribute actively in building others; for it is in them that your greatness will endure.

When we see twin children today in my part of the world, we would remember a woman of God called Mary Slessor; who laid her comfort and life on the line that others may live. One of the surest things that will live beyond you is the seeds we sow in the lives of others. Go beyond your family members, be a pillar of support to others who struggle without any support. Do your best now that your works may be made of gold when it shall be tested by fire at the later bye and bye. Halleluiah!

KEY GUIDE: As a way of showing gratitude to God and all the people that have helped to make you who you are today, consciously contribute in making others successful. Be a supportive mentor to someone.

Minister ebankole