A man named Reggie had a very wealthy aunt. She was getting up in years and had no children of her own. Her "babies" were her four Great Danes, Enie, Meenie, Minie, and Moe. Though Reggie had never been close to his aunt, he sought to make his way in her good graces, so he might be remembered in her will. He began making regular visits to his aunt’s home where he was routinely slobbered on, scratched and sometimes even bitten by those hairy monsters. All the while he acted as though he enjoyed the friskiness of his aunt’s "doggies". He began walking those dogs daily. They drug him all over the neighborhood, often in many directions. With each torn piece of clothing, and torn muscle, he reminded himself of the will. One day his deceptiveness about his love for the dogs paid off. She remembered Reggie in her will.

Of course, she left him her most treasured possessions… her dogs.

It seemed a little selfish pretending to be nice so he could get something in return. We would say he got what he deserved. How many times in our own lives do we exhibit kind gestures only because we expect to receive something in return? Perhaps visiting a relative around the holidays, inviting someone to a party because of the gift they'll bring, or being really nice to someone because you plan to ask a favor of them? For a change, try doing something really nice for someone who can't pay you back. You may be surprised the better benefit you reap from pure unselfishness.



Luke 6:33-35 And if ye do good to them which do good to you, what thank have ye? for sinners also do even the same. 34 And if ye lend to them of whom ye hope to receive, what thank have ye? for sinners also lend to sinners, to receive as much again. 35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.