When a London newspaper asked its readers to respond to the question, “What is wrong with the world,” the editor received a reply from philosopher G.K.
Chesterton. It read: “Dear sir, I am.”

Just because it is a cliche doesn’t make it any less true; a better world does begin with me. As does a better community, a better marriage, and a better church.

It is so much easier to complain and criticize than it is to build and strengthen. They don’t build monuments for critics. Critics don’t write great literature, or create art, or even good government. They simply jeer at the sincere, best efforts of those who build.

So what’s wrong with the world? Probably not G.K.
Chesterton, or at least it wasn’t entirely his fault.
Yet he realized that for the world to improve, for it to change, he must act himself to make it so.

We used to sing a song as children — “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.”

“Let your light shine before men that they
may see your good works and glorify your
father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

There’s a lot of darkness out there. Are you adding to the light, or dampening the fire of others? This much is true: there are two kinds of people in the world, or the church: The givers and the takers.

It’s OK to be a taker if you are a child. But even children grow to make their contribution.

So what’s wrong with the world? Any suggestions?

by Stan Mitchell

A family was rushing to get to the movies. The parents told the children they had to leave “right now” at which point their teenage daughter headed for the bathroom to apply makeup. Her father yelled for her to get in the car immediately, and headed to the garage grumbling.

On the way to the theater, the father glanced in the rear view mirror and saw his daughter applying lipstick and blush, which produced the predictable lecture. “Look at your mom,” he said. “She didn’t put on any makeup just to go sit in a dark movie theater.”

The daughter’s response was, “Yeah, but Mom doesn’t need makeup.”

The mother’s heart was swelling with the compliment, and she turned back to thank this sweet, wonderful daughter just as she continued, “Nobody looks at her.”

I’m sure there have been times when your choice of clothing or the way you got yourself ready in the morning was determined by whether anybody would see you or not. If you’re just going to be around the house where no one can see you, you may dress one way. If you’re planning to be out in public, you’ll likely dress another way.

Sometimes, though, we make the mistake of determining our actions in the same way. If we think someone is watching, we’re careful to do what’s right. But if we think no one is paying attention, we tend not to be quite as careful. We think, “Nobody’s looking at me anyway!”

The truth is, though, you constantly being watched (and not just by God!). If you have children, you can be sure they see and hear everything you say and do! When you’re in line at the grocery store, others are watching. When you work in your office, others are watching. When you go out to eat at a restaurant, others are watching. When you go to the Post Office, others are watching.

That shouldn’t make us nervous or bothered. Rather, it reminds us that everywhere we go, we have an opportunity to live in a way that honors and glorifies God! Always be conscious of that opportunity.

“Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.” (Matthew 5:16).

Somebody’s watching!

Have a great day!

Alan Smith