Forthright Magazine http://www.forthright.net Straight to the Cross COLUMN: Reality Check It Makes a Difference by Stan Mitchell "I tell you the truth, anyone who gives you a cup of cold water in my name because you belong to Christ will certainly not lose his reward" (Mark 9:41). It's a startling scene. During the New York marathon, as runners toil along the streets of a city famed for its casual disregard of others, hundreds of arms reach out to the runners, each holding a cup of cold water, which the runner gratefully snatches and either throws down his parched throat, or splashes upon his perspiring head, seeking its refreshment. How many runners might surrender the battle were it not for this simple, eloquent act of kindness? A cup of water -- free. Refreshment for a weary runner -- priceless! How our sad world needs quiet, anonymous acts of kindness! Desmond Tutu, the gentle South African church leader declared, "Do your little bit of good where you are; it's those little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world." Kindness is the language which the deaf can hear and the blind can see. It's what sets humans apart from the beasts; it's what sets Christians apart from the worldly. Or should. You will never know how much good a quiet word of encouragement will do; you will never know how great a help a thank- you note does; you may never know who decided not to give up the Christian race because of your kindness -- as life-giving as water, as fresh as a splash in the face! But it doesn't matter if you know the effects of your actions; it's worth it, simply, to do them! There are two ways of spreading light; to be the candle, or the mirror that reflects it. ---- What's your reaction to this article? Tell us here: http://www.forthright.net/reality_check/it_makes_a_difference.htm ---- You can help us get the word out. Here's how: http://www.forthright.net/editorial/lend_a_hand.htm