Too Busy for Others
In a busy life, it's essential to slow down and listen to the needs of others, just as Jesus would have us do.
Mary Wilder Tileston preaches about the importance of taking the time to truly listen and help others in need, drawing inspiration from the story in Mark 10:49 where Jesus stood still and commanded someone to be called. She emphasizes the value of offering a ministry of presence and attentive care to those we encounter on our journey, reflecting the love and compassion of Christ in our interactions. Tileston encourages believers to prioritize moments of stillness and genuine connection, even if it means setting aside our own plans or busyness, as every act of kindness and compassion is seen as serving the Lord.
Text
Jesus stood still, and commanded him to be called.
MARK 10:49
--As we meet and touch, each day,
The many travellers on our way,
Let every such brief contact be
A glorious, helpful ministry;
The contact of the soil and seed,
Each giving to the other's need,
Each helping on the other's best,
And blessing, each, as well as blest.
SUSAN COOLIDGE
DO we not sometimes feel, in trial or perplexity, that others might help us if they would only stop and listen? But they will not, and in their constant hurry we know it is little use to speak. Let us note the lesson for ourselves, and give what we ask--leisure to hear, attentive, concentrated, not divided--calm, patient consideration. It may be our busy work, as we think, for the Master, which so overcrowds our lives that we have not time for this "standing still." Sad eyes meet ours, but we cannot stay to read their story. Some look to us for help in battles which we fought long ago, but we cannot turn aside to see how it fares with them in the strife, or to whisper the secret of victory. But He would have said, even though some plans of our own for His service were put aside, "Ye have done it unto Me."
H. BOWMAN
Sermon Outline
- The Importance of Standing Still
- The Lesson of the Master
- The Cost of Our Busy Lives
- Overcrowding our lives with work for the Master
- Missing opportunities to help others
Key Quotes
“Let every such brief contact be A glorious, helpful ministry;” — Mary Wilder Tileston
“The contact of the soil and seed, Each giving to the other's need, Each helping on the other's best, And blessing, each, as well as blest.” — Mary Wilder Tileston
Application Points
- Make time in your schedule to listen and consider the needs of others.
- Be intentional about creating space to help those in need.
- Prioritize calm and patient consideration in your interactions with others.