A new Guinness World Record

Oscar Lynagh has found a way to make his mark in the world. A video was carried in a story last week by United Press International that shows how he did it. With the help of a young lady his head was covered with a large amount of shaving cream. He then took a bowl filled with ping pong balls, bounced them one at a time off the wall, and then caught them in the shaving cream on his head. In 30 seconds he caught 12 balls, setting a new Guinness World Record.

When I saw the video, I thought to myself, “What?! Does this fellow have nothing better to do?” I can only imagine the pride (?) he will feel when he shows it to his grandchildren years from now to show how he made his mark in the world.

I don’t mean to be unkind to Oscar; there are many, many others in our world who seek out similar ways to be included in that world record lineup. Most of them are similarly impractical, such as the man who set a record for pullups (32 in one minute) while hanging from an airborne helicopter, another who set a record for shooting (backward) and scoring with a basketball from 85 feet away, the most consecutive hours tattooing people (64 tattooed in 91 hours), etc.

It’s not wrong to want to make a mark in this world. The principle we’re referring to is “meaning in life”. When I reach the end of my journey, will my life have had meaning?

Jesus provided a better and practical answer to that question, and it’s found in the Parable of the Good Samaritan. A victim of a violent robbery was left lying in the ditch, and others ignored him as they walked by. One man, a Samaritan, didn’t ignore him, but took time to tend to his wounds, take him to an inn, and provided for whatever needs the man might have. That story, recorded in Luke 10:30-37, ends with Jesus’ words, “Go and do likewise.”

Someone might object by pointing to the fact that Jesus never gave the name of the Samaritan. That’s true, no name is found in that passage. Here’s a truth that must not be overlooked, however, stated in Hebrews 6:10: “For God is not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, in that you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” Which is more lasting: To make our mark with the world (which will soon forget our records), or with God?

Making a mark doesn’t require large expenditures of time, money, or energy, according to Jesus: “And whoever gives one of these little ones only a cup of cold water in the name of a disciple, assuredly, I say to you, he shall by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). Simple gifts are often what are needed.

Someone has stated it well: “To the world you may just be one person, but to one person you may be the world.” Your love and compassion may have a domino effect, and start a “pay it forward” type of reaction. One small act of kindness, like one snowflake, can soon become an avalanche of change.

Yes, you can make a mark on this world without ever putting shaving cream on your head. Start by putting on Jesus Christ (see Galatians 3:26,27). No one ever made a greater mark than Him!

Come to the light God offers! Study His word, the Bible. Worship Him in spirit and truth (John 4:24). Get in touch with us if you’d like to discuss these ideas further.

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