A Beautiful Life

Standing out at school can be a simple thing, by dressing differently and avoiding curse words that many speak without thinking. But you can also stand out by helping other people in your school: someone’s backpack has broken and their stuff has spilled out all over the hallway. Do you stop to help them, or do you rush off to class because the teacher will make you write an essay about being on time? Think about the answer while reading through this song, “A Beautiful Life,” by William M. Golden.

Each day I’ll do a golden deed,
By helping those who are in need;
My life on earth is but a span,
And so I’ll do the best I can.

To be a child of God each day,
My light must shine along the way;
I’ll sing His praise while ages roll,
And strive to help some troubled soul.

The only life that will endure,
Is one that’s kind and good and pure;
And so for God I’ll take my stand,
Each day I’ll lend a helping hand.

I’ll help someone in time of need,
And journey on with rapid speed;
I’ll help the sick and poor and weak,
And words of kindness to them speak.

While going down life’s weary road,
I’ll try to lift some trav’ler’s load;
I’ll try to turn the night to day,
Make flowers bloom along the way.

Life’s evening sun is sinking low,
A few more days and I must go,
To meet the deeds that I have done,
Where there will be no setting sun.

Your actions speak louder than your words.  “If you say, ‘Surely we did not know this,’ Does not He who weighs the hearts consider it? He who keeps your soul, does He not know it? And will He not render to each man according to his deeds?” Proverbs 24:12

God will know why you did help someone – because they needed help, or because you thought there would be some reward involved – or why you didn’t help. “And when you pray, you shall not be like the hypocrites. For they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the corners of the streets, that they may be seen by men. Assuredly, I say to you, they have their reward. But you, when you pray, go into your room, and when you have shut your door, pray to your Father who is in the secret place; and your Father who sees in secret will reward you openly. And when you pray, do not use vain repetitions as the heathen do. For they think that they will be heard for their many words” (Matthew 6:5-7).

Your actions will set you apart and make you stand out – but make sure that you are doing these actions for the right reasons, and God will reward you for having a right heart, one that is turned toward Him and His word!

Dear God,
Please help me to have the heart of a true servant, so that Your love may show through me. Please help me to have a pure heart and good intentions when I serve others, and please help open my eyes to acts of service that I am able to do. Help me to love and serve like You do.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen

By Megan Skinner