3 Therefore do whatever they tell you, and observe it. But don’t do what they do, because they don’t practice what they teach. 4 They tie up heavy loads that are hard to carry[a] and put them on people’s shoulders, but they themselves aren’t willing to lift a finger to move them. (Matthew 23:3-4 CSB)
This world is filled with people who want to stipulate all kinds of rules on how we are to live. They absolutely love to point how what should be done and deride others who are not following their thoughts on the matter.
The problem with this is that these same people are the ones who will switch horses mid stream if it fits their new agenda. Yet, they still want to tie up heavy loads for others to bear.
It is the same with the “its not my job” crowd. They cannot be asked to move out of their swim lane to do anything beyond their limited scope. Then they wonder why they are not recognized or given new opportunities.
I have found that there are daily opportunities to go out of your way to help another, not when you are asked but before you are asked. The day abounds with opportunity to not only practice what we preach, but to go beyond and practice teaching others through our actions more than our words.
There is one thing that gets in most people’s way when it comes to this; convenience. People can no longer be inconvenienced in any way.
But here is the key to a happy life and others respect. Look for ways to inconvenience yourself for the sake of others. Yes, it may put a larger burden upon you for a while, but in the long run the dividends it pays are enormous.
