MEMORY CHALLENGE
by Paul Moore
We have this great new Senior Pastor at our church. He’s younger than either of my kids, so I figured a lot of things would be different from what I’m used to. One of the first things I learned is that he expects us to memorize scripture.
I have a good memory, sort of: I hardly ever forget a name, and I can tell you every license plate number I’ve ever had. But I need a calendar to remind me of birthdays and anniversaries, and don’t ask about Morse Code. As for the important things in life, I buy my pastor’s logic on memorizing scripture, and I’m trying. If we commit it to memory, we are more likely to apply it to life as it happens.
So here’s a challenge: Can you recite the Four Way Test from memory? I’ve been around it since I first joined Rotary in 1976 at age 27, but I still stumble a bit. So I just looked it up:
Is it the truth?
Is it fair to all concerned?
Will it build good will and better friendships?
Will it be beneficial to all concerned?
Over the past six months, how often have you thought about the Four Way Test? In these times of tension, turmoil, disagreement, anger, frustration, and pain, would our world be different if everyone thought in these terms?
Rotary has done something amazing in battling polio, showing what a difference we can make when we all engage. Maybe it’s time that we get to work on truth, fairness, good will, and friendship, to the benefit of all.
Here’s my memory challenge: The next time someone or something lights your fuse, remember the Four Way Test, and apply it!
Paul – Thank you for the reminder of our Four-Way Test! I grew up with my Grandad teaching it to me and living by its tenets. I wish there was a way to get all politicians to follow this….especially during elections!
That’s what its all about! Thanks, Paul.
This is a great idea! Thanks for the reminder. I actually miss saying it each week. Maybe we could do it once a month. I know your Pastor! I’m memorizing my scripture. 🙂
Agreed. Great idea.
The first test is the most important, but I find that I apply the “Will it be beneficial to all concerned” test more and more often. It is a bit more obscure and subjective, but still vital in our relationships and leadership.