Summary

Love God, love others. It’s a good challenge! Many of us are engaged in ministry and service to others each week. But God needs all of his Salvation Army to be mobilised.

Others

I’m writing this just after Joan Parker’s funeral service. What a great send off for someone who gave so many years’ service to the Lord through the Army. During the service, Joan’s grandson Liam, who led it, told the well-known story of General William Booth who was nearing the end of his life, and too weak to travel to and speak at a congress he had been expected to address. He decided to send a telegram instead. Knowing that telegrams were charged by the word and being a frugal man, he thought long and hard about what he should say. The day of the congress came, and it was announced to the congregation that sadly, their General would not be appearing. In his absence, the telegram was opened. It simply said: OTHERS.

The Key to True Happiness

General William Booth’s pithy message simply echoes a theme found throughout the Bible: others. In Micah 6:8, the prophet reports these words of God:

No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good,
    and this is what he requires of you:
to do what is right, to love mercy,
    and to walk humbly with your God.

Micah 6:1-8 (NLT)

God’s Army Must be Mobilised

Love God, love others. It is clear from the tributes paid to Joan during her funeral service that she and George took this mission seriously. Liam challenged us all that we should do the same, following in their footsteps. It’s a good challenge! Many of us are engaged in ministry and service to others each week. But God needs all of his Salvation Army to be mobilised. Maidenhead Citadel needs you to be mobilised!

As the word OTHERS echoes in our ears, may we each be challenged about whether we are fully mobilised “to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.”

Many people spend their lives seeking happiness. This week in Battle Drill Devotionals, we discover God’s surprisingly simple requirement for happiness.

There’s a new episode of Battle Drill Devotional every Monday through Friday.

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Photo by D Jonez on Unsplash