Let it Begin with Me
Today, I am deeply grateful for those of you who have supported the Dial Hope Foundation with a financial donation. Hope reaches others because of you. Thank you!
A rabbi and soap maker once went for a walk through their local town. The soap maker was really feeling negative about religion, and he asked the Rabbi, “What good is religion? Just look around you. What do you see? Trouble, misery, wars – even after all these years and years of preaching and teaching about goodness, truth, peace. What good is religion with all its prayers and sermons if all this evil still exists?”
The rabbi kept quiet as they continued their walk. Then they noticed a child playing in the street who was just covered with dirt and mud. The rabbi said to the soap maker, “Look at this child! Now you say that soap makes people clean, but what good is it? With all the soap in the world, this child is still dirty. What good is soap after all?”
The soap maker immediately answered him: “But rabbi, soap can’t do its job if it isn’t used!” And the rabbi said, “Exactly!”
My friends at First Christian Church in Neptune Beach end each Sunday’s worship service by singing the song, “Let There Be Peace on Earth, and Let it Begin with Me.” What a beautiful way to end worship and to be sent back out into everyday life!
It is true. As the story of the Soapmaker and Rabbi reminds us, our faith makes a difference only when it is put into practice.
Let us pray: Holy God, let there be peace on earth and let it begin with me. And may my life be joined with the rising movement of others who are doing likewise. Help us to live in such a way that our lives indeed shine light into the darkness and show forth peace. Amen.
Daily Message Author: Joe Albright
Joe began his ministry in Sarasota, Florida as an associate pastor, and it was in this capacity that he worked alongside the Reverend Dr. Roger Kunkel. Roger was a colleague who became a mentor and treasured friend. From Sarasota, Joe was called to Jacksonville, Florida where he served as the Head of Staff at Hodges Boulevard Presbyterian Church. Currently, Joe and his family worship and serve at Geneva Presbyterian Church in Switzerland, Florida. Full Bio
