Those dark eyes stared deep into my soul. For an instant I thought, "Is this
unconditional love...am I up to it? Do I
deserve it?" A little boy had
entered my life. Immediately upon
introduction he gripped my shirt to hang onto
me with all his strength. I
decided in that moment to strive to live up to his expectation. I had an opportunity and I wanted to be a
better person. Most baby gifts I give
include my "light bulb" moment of enlightenment, "Parenting will
make you a better person." Now my
life decisions included consideration of the effect on his life.
Paul offers Philemon an opportunity to be a better person
and an example of life in God's world. In verses 12-16 he explains to Philemon
his desire to keep Onesimus with him because he has helped him in his ministry
for the Gospel. But he wanted Philemon's
consent. He wanted Philemon to do him a
spontaneous favor and not force him. In The
Message, Paul "didn't want to do anything behind " Philemon's
back and make him do a good deed that he hadn't willingly agreed. Paul offers Philemon an opportunity to be
generous, to be forgiving, to be unselfish.
What would our world be like if we offered more
opportunities for people to be generous, forgiving and unselfish?
Too often as a child I was told "Eat your ________________. It will put hair on your chest." What if I didn't want hair on my chest?"
My piano teacher assigned a piece of music by Chopin with
the pronouncement "It will be good for you." I practiced Chopin in earnest so I would be a
better pianist but it was a mission to better myself.
Paul offers Philemon an opportunity to be a better person
and at the same time the opportunity to assist Onesimus to be a better person. How often do we think about enabling others
to be better persons?
To do the right thing for another, not self. To do something to change the world, for the future. Is this what it means to be a "change
agent"? Is this how the Good News
will change this crazy world in which we live?
How can I give others the opportunity to be better
persons? It seems I must live out their
opportunity... to be generous, forgiving and unselfish. Assisting them to become a better person will
make me a better person, and witness.
Just as that little boy's well-being influenced my
decisions, so should the effect on others, the world and my witness, affect my
decision making.
The little book of Philemon is changing my view of the
world! It really is "A Whole New
World"!!!!
