Read: Romans 15:1-13

Let each of us please his
neighbor for his good,
leading to edification.
-Romans 15:2

Phillips Brooks (1835-1893), the great preacher, asked
the operator of a local livery stable for the best horse
he had. Brooks explained, “I am taking my wife for a
ride and I want the very best for the occasion.” As the
livery man hitched up a horse to a buggy, he said,
“This animal is about as perfect as a horse could be.
It is kind, gentle, intelligent, well-trained, obedient,
willing, responds instantly to your every command, never
kicks, balks, or bites, and lives only to please its
driver.” Brooks then quietly said to the owner, “Do you
suppose you could get that horse to join my church?”

Yes, what a powerful church we could have if we all
had those qualities! We are naturally prone to think
only of our own desires and wishes and to forget the
good of others. Paul said in Romans 15:2, “Let each of
us please his neighbor for his good, leading to
edification.”

The more we grow in grace, the more we will think
about the needs of others. In our church life we should
not think only of ourselves but always be willing to
yield our desires for the good of the whole. Our
example is the Head of the church, Jesus Christ, for
even He “did not please Himself” (v.3).

What kind of church member are you?
-M.R. De Haan, M.D.

To think Jesus died for me
Upon the cross of Calvary
Should move my selfish heart to pray,
“For others, Lord, I’ll live each day.” -DJD

WHAT KIND OF CHURCH WOULD MY CHURCH BE
IF ALL ITS MEMBERS WERE JUST LIKE ME?

OUR DAILY BREAD, Copyright 1999 by Radio Bible Class,
Grand Rapids,Michigan. Used by permission.