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Key Bible Verse: Don't think only about your own affairs, but be interested in others, too, and what they are doing (Philippians 2:4). Bonus Reading:Acts 8:26–35

Every man is struggling somewhere. He either has a problem with his marriage, kids, business, finances, or health. When I'm talking with a man on an airplane, I'll say, "Tell me about your business."

"Oh, it's going great. We've doubled our profits."

"That's good. So, are you married?"

"Yes, she's a wonderful woman."

"How's your health?"

"Great. I run three miles a day and do fifty pushups."

So then I'll say, "Do you have any kids?"

There's a long pause—and then, "Yeah—in a way."

That's when I know I've hit the right button. "Tell me about your kids."

"Which ones do you want to hear about: hers, mine, or ours?"

Soon I'm into a tremendous discussion about the life needs of that man. As he pours out the story of his rebellious son who's doing stupid things, I'll say, "Look, I was once a stupid son. I almost got a bunch of teens killed, driving drunk one night. But I finally found the answer I was searching for. It totally changed my life." The man will often put down his drink and ask, "What was that?" Then I tell him about what Jesus did in my life.

—Phil Downer in Eternal Impact

My Response: Today, I'll try to find out where one acquaintance is struggling.

Thought to Apply: Too many people don't care what happens so long as it doesn't happen to them.

—William Howard Taft (27th U.S. President)

Adapted from: Eternal Impact (Harvest, 1997) by permission.

Copyright © 2002 by the author or Christianity Today International/Men of Integrity magazine.
Click here for reprint information on Men of Integrity.

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Prayer for the Week

Dear Father, help me to be involved in the lives of my colleagues in ways that will validate Your love for them.

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