One of my favorite sayings dates back to 239 BCE.

“A friend in need is a friend indeed.”

I’ve always loved that phrase because it is the truest thing that I know. If you think about it, the only people who ever ask you for help are your friends. When is the last time your bitter enemy reached out to you for help?

When you truly understand that philosophy, you lower your guard – stop wondering what someone’s “angle” is and just be of service. W e help each other and in doing so, show ourselves to not only be friends but that we are not ashamed to ask for help when needed either.

Back when I was a young man, it was all about what’s in it for me. I think that is really what maturity really is… getting over yourself and your own ego. As I’ve matured, I learned that what’s in it for me is to be a friend and to have friends. We are indeed social creatures and our greatest growth and happiness is only possible with others. It’s the plan. It’s how we work.

Now, I welcome the opportunity to help out friends at church, people in need and my fellow man in general. It makes me feel better about myself. Sure, I miss opportunities to serve. I ignore them when caught up in myself. I’m not implying I have this thing mastered. I’m only saying I see the importance and try to do my best.

The flip-side is that when you give someone the opportunity to help, you are actually doing a service for them. You are telling them that you consider them a friend and that you trust them to help. That’s kind of a big deal!

by Chris Doelle