When a friend’s or enemy's life comes crashing down, when the lights are dimmed and the melodic parties cease, when the loneliness manifests itself into a palpable sadness, who would they have left to call? You?
While attending college, I was required to go to convocation (a chapel type service) thrice during the week. During one such service, Rev. Jonathan Falwell, son of the late Rev. Jerry Falwell, told a story which remains in my mind to this very day.
(If you are not familiar with the Larry Flynt/Jerry Falwell story, watch this video. It will help you understand my post)
Jonathan said he asked his dad (Jerry) why he maintained a friendship with Larry Flynt, a man who published hardcore pornography; a man who mocked him in Hustler by writing a parody stating that Jerry’s first sexual encounter was with his mother in an outhouse; a man who defeated him 9-0 in a landmark free speech case in the Supreme Court.
Jonathan said “My Dad told me that one day, Larry will need someone to talk to, but he’ll have no one to call. When that day comes, I want to be his one phone call”
It got me thinking, how can I be someone’s one phone call? What can I do with my life that will let people know no matter what they have done, who they are or where they are, they can always call me. Here are a few ideas that I conjured up; I hope they assist you.
- Let your hands offer help, not hate
- Offer someone a hand when they are struggling with sin, don’t push them under the bus
- Let your lips comfort, not castigate
- If one is sinning, gently and with love show them a better way, instead of judging and berating them.
- Share Christ today, don’t wait
- Don’t ever assume someone has heard of Jesus Christ: Ask.
- When it comes to serving: Initiate
- Always look for opportunities to serve and be a blessing. Offer to babysit the kids (for those who have kids) for free so they can go on a romantic date; offer to help with yard-work, housework, homework, walk the dogs, offer to carpool, etc… there are a million ways you can serve someone.
No matter what someone has done, just remember that even though we were dead in sin, and rebelling against God, he still sent his only Son, Jesus, to die for us.
Always recall that one day, amidst the maelstroms of life, we all need that one phone call.
