The Right Button - Living Lessons Bulletin Article for October 27th, 2013

The Right Button

“That man was absurdly adamant about hitting the right button!” 

This was my thought as the metal doors were sliding smoothly away before my entrance to the elevator.  It

Press the "L"!

was my first time visiting the Select Specialty Hospital in Evansville where one of our church members was receiving treatment.  At 6pm I was greeted by a pleasant older chap who gave me directions to the third floor via the visitors elevator.   His discourse on navigation wasn’t finished with my arrival at the room, but he was even lengthier in how I was to return to the lobby.  In particular he spent time describing the elevator buttons.

“Make sure to press the “L” button to return!” he was direct, clear, repetitive, and passionate in relating this instruction, and rightly so.  Had I not been forewarned, I would most certainly be confused as the button configuration contained the following: “B” for basement, “L” for Lobby, “1” with a star by it, “2”, “3”, and “4”.   I know, had I not received instruction, I would have been pressing that “1” button with the big star by it, mistakenly thinking I would return to my desired destination.    After realizing my error, I’m sure I would have pressed the lowest button marked “B” only to be confused when the doors opened to the basement.

I wonder how many people arrived at the wrong floor of the elevator, only to waste time and energy in frustration trying to reach correct exit level.   I wonder how many people this lobby greeter had saved from the trouble by giving his direct warning and instructions.  When I returned to the lobby on the first try after pressing the “L”, I made sure to thank him for taking the time and effort to talk to me about the right path. 

You see where I’m going with this don’t you?  God’s Word contains the right path to save our friends a lot of trouble and grief in this life and in the life to come.  You and I have access to this knowledge and instruction.  Do we care enough about people to share it?

I think it is with this others-centered, caring, and sharing mindset that Jesus tells His disciples the “Great Commission.” 
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.” – Matthew 28:19-20