August 30: Pitching In

In the Revolutionary War, during preparations for a battle, a man in civilian clothes passed a corporal who was arrogantly ordering his men to lift a heavy beam.  The man stopped and asked the corporal, “Why don’t you help them?”

“Sir,” the answer came back indignantly, “I am a corporal!”

With a muttered apology, the stranger stripped off his coat and pitched in to help the soldiers.

“Mr. Corporal,” he said when the task was done, “whenever you haven’t enough men to do a job, call on your commander-in-chief.  I’ll be glad to help.”

With that, George Washington put on his coat and left.

To help others, we must often humble ourselves.  Paradoxically enough, we always win by doing so.  The best proof of this is Christ Himself.  He became the friend and servant of the lowest among men, lepers and beggars and thieves.  And for this, all mankind reveres Him.

He that is greatest among you shall be your servant.

(Matthew 23:11)

Lord, help me to humble myself, in Your name, for others.