Who Are You?

An evil man is ensnared by the transgression of his lips, but the righteous escapes from trouble. From the fruit of his mouth a man is satisfied with good, and the work of a man's hand comes back to him. The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice. (Proverbs 12:13-15 ESV). It is always good to take a moment and reflect on how we react to others. In fact this may be the most important way of determining who we are. Walt Disney once wrote that there are three kinds of people: "well-poisoners," "lawnmowers," and "life-enhancers." He said "well-poisoners" are the negative types who put other people down and try to discourage them from achieving their dreams. They’re people who should be avoided and whose advice should be ignored. "Lawnmowers" are good citizens who keep up their own yards but seldom venture beyond their back fence. They go to work each day, pay their bills and taxes, obey the laws, and maintain their property but seldom volunteer or get involved in their community. Then there are "life-enhancers". These are the people who really make life worth living. They go out of their way to enhance the lives of others with encouraging words and deeds. I would like to think that I am more of a "life-enricher," an encourager, someone who motivates people to always have hope. All of us have opportunities every day to be life-enrichers. It’s as simple as offering a word of encouragement; volunteering our time, talents and treasure to enrich our schools, churches, government or community; or writing a note of thanks to a teacher, a pastor, a public servant or volunteer. God calls us to be life-enrichers. "Well-poisoners" try to build themselves up by tearing others down but never achieve relief from their misery. Many "lawnmowers" may achieve material success and even respect in this world. But people who serve others will be first in God's kingdom. We all need to spend time mowing our lawns. But take some time from mowing to get out of your own yard and take a few simple steps to be a life-enricher. Thank your child’s teacher, let your children know you’re proud of them, lend your neighbor a hand, volunteer at your church, be a mentor, help with a fund-raiser, put your talents to work for a charity, give blood, invite your pastor to dinner, write a note of congratulations to a friend or relative who has achieved something special. You'll be amazed at how your word of encouragement or giving a helping hand can have a dramatic impact on enriching another’s life - and your own! Listen to the wisdom in our reading this morning. People really may get many good things from the words they hear. Someone needs to hear some good words from you today. Be a life-enricher!