As a first-grade student I admired the school crossing guards. The elementary school I attended outfitted fourth-grade students in white belts that also had a highly reflective white slash shape over the torso. I remember thinking about how official they looked in what amounted to their uniform and how I’d love to do what they were doing. I particularly liked the idea of being authorized to make cars stop and wait for kids to cross the road. Unfortunately, we moved after that year and lived where I had to ride the bus to school. I never got the opportunity to be a crossing guard.
Looking back, I realize what tremendous trust was placed in those student crossing guards. They were the protectors of the elementary children; it was a big responsibility. Looking out for others is always admirable but doing it at such a young age is particularly noteworthy. These kids did what they did because they wanted to help. They were not paid. They were not given any awards that I know of, they just stepped up and served. I will always admire that kind of nobility.
Biblically, we are instructed to look after one another–to bear one another’s burdens and so fulfill the law of God (Galatians 6:2). Jesus declared that we are to take up our cross and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). By this Jesus means that we are to cease being self-centered and self-serving and be willing to suffer to bring good to others just like He did. The good news is that we don’t need to be any particular age or special class of person to serve and help others.
In a world where courtesy is becoming more uncommon, wouldn’t it be wonderful if all who love Jesus would see themselves as crossing guards looking out for others and helping those who are weaker or more disadvantaged than us? You don’t need a special uniform; you just have to care about others. Take that extra minute, offer to help wherever you can. Let that car pull out in front of you. Give up your seat. Open that door. Listen, really listen and be a friend to the hurting. Don’t keep score, just do the uncommonly kind things that are too often missing in this world.
Contact Pastor Lamb at leadpastor@ imlaycityamazinggrace.org
