Futility

Futility has been a word on my mind as of late. Futility is pointlessness and a direct challenge to fruitfulness. Futility wrestles in my mind on the question “why?”. Why act if nothing will change? Why should we be kind when the world is not? Why do anything at all? 

“Do not be afraid,” Samuel replied. “You have done all this evil; yet do not turn away from the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.  Do not turn away after useless idols. They can do you no good, nor can they rescue you, because they are useless. For the sake of his great name the Lord will not reject his people, because the Lord was pleased to make you his own.  As for me, far be it from me that I should sin against the Lord by failing to pray for you. And I will teach you the way that is good and right. But be sure to fear the Lord and serve him faithfully with all your heart; consider what great things he has done for you. Yet if you persist in doing evil, both you and your king will perish.” 1 Samuel 12:11 

Following the Lord is never futile. By acting with kindness in our hearts we bring comfort to those around us. We don’t need a greater purpose than to do what we can. Take value in what you can do. Simple gestures of care go a long way. It may seem futile when faced with larger injustices, but a simple act of kindness makes the world a better place. When faced with futility, I encourage you to act with kindness. 

Prayer: Thank you Lord, for guiding us through life. We may falter or stumble, yet you are still there. Please continue to guide us as life presents us with new challenges. Help us to spread your kindness and care. In your name we pray, Amen.

Charles Kendeigh