Heather was the warmest girl in law school. She was kind and generous and as sweet as pie. She would do anything for anyone. When a lawyer needed a bone marrow transplant, students were asked to give blood at a local firm in order to find a match. Heather refused our offer to carpool over there. She was worried about finals–which were weeks away.
“But you might save a man’s life?”
“I’m sorry, I just don’t have time.”
“You don’t have time to save a man’s life?”
How often do you hear someone say, “Not my problem”? Too often this is a curt way of telling someone that their concern is of no concern to you.
When drivers of armored vehicles deliver cash to banks, stores, and restaurants, one driver remains in the truck to guard the money while the other driver goes inside. One time the guard waiting in the truck saw a robbery happening inside the bank and went inside to stop the crime. The armored truck company fired him for leaving his post. He could have said “not my problem,” but he chose to help and was terminated.
A judge later required the company to re-hire him and to compensate him for his lost time. Why? Because we want a legal system that encourages heroes. We NEED people who are prepared to get involved—even when a situation is officially not their problem. Big cities have a de-personalizing impact on everyone: with thousands everywhere, it is easy to assume someone else will step up. But sometimes you may be that person.
The Law of Moses requires us to help—to get involved.
“If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, YOU MUST NOT IGNORE IT. Make sure you return it to your brother…. Do the same for his donkey, his garment, or anything your brother has lost and you have found. YOU MUST NOT IGNORE IT. If you see your brother’s donkey or ox fallen down on the road, YOU MUST NOT IGNORE IT. You must help him lift it up” Deuteronomy 22:1-4.
When you can safely help someone, do it!
ΑΩ
Household Words: 