Living The Christian Life

By David J. Riggs

Christians as they have opportunity are to help other people. Matt. 25:34-40; Gal. 6:10

There is a story told regarding Robert De Vincenzo, the famous Argentine golfer, who received a large sum for winning a tournament. After receiving the check, and smiling for the cameras, he walked alone to his car in the parking lot where he was greeted by a young lady. She congratulated him on his victory and then told him that her child was seriously ill and near death. She said she did not know how she could pay all the doctor's bills and hospital expenses. Mr. De Vincenzo took out his pen and endorsed his winning check over to the woman. "Provide good care for the baby" he said as he pressed the check into her hand.

The next week while Mr. De Vincenzo was having lunch at the country club, one of his friends said, "Some of the boys told me that you met a young woman in the parking lot and you gave her all your winnings." "That right," said Mr. De Vincenzo. "I have news for you," his friend said, "She is a phony. She has no sick baby. She's not even married. She has fleeced you, my friend." Mr. De Vincenzo said, "You mean there is no baby who is sick and dying." "That right" his friend said. The golfer answered, "That's the best news I've had all week!"

Please carefully consider his attitude in this matter.

Christians are to save souls. Luke 14:23; Acts 8:1-4; 11:19-27

The story is told of a small town of people who lived on a stretch of dangerous sea-coast where shipwrecks often occurred. Some of the towns-people decided to put some time, effort and money into rescue operations. A small rescue station was built and the devoted members of the rescue team kept a constant vigil over the sea, ready to use their little boats to search for survivors in case of a shipwreck. One stormy night there was a ship wreck, and the small team went into action. As result of their work, many lives were saved.

When the news of their rescue was spread around, more and more of the towns people joined the rescue group. More and more funds were added and, thus, a bigger and better rescue station was built. The new building was transformed into a clubhouse which provided many recreational facilities for the fun and comfort of all their new members, supposedly, as they waited for another shipwreck.

Again, on a stormy night, the alarmed was sounded. However, very few of the now clubhouse members dared to go out into the stormy waters to save lives. A few of the members went out and a few lives were saved. Later there was a division among the members regarding the purpose of their existence. Today, as the story goes, the town has grown to a large number and there are a number of exclusive clubhouses dotting the shore line. However, none of them are interested or concerned about rescue operations.

Please consider this in regard to our main work as Christians, and as the Lord's church.