Leave It Better Than You Found It

DateLine (6/28/06 – Ponce, PR)

I grew up on a farm. Farmers are known for their interdependence, often borrowing and loaning items of necessity to aide the neighbors in getting by. Accommodation and neighborliness are hallmarks of rural living. Out of my own necessity I’ve continued this practice, borrowing items from friends and family. There is an inviolate rule to this practice as far as I’m concerned; leave it better than you found it. I consider it the “code of the borrowing”, not absolutely required but a matter of gratitude and respect for others’ property.

I’ve not always lived up to this charitable code, but it is a goal for every material loan; sharpen the blade before you return it, grease the implement, replace the light bulb, buff the sheet metal, blow off accumulated dirt with the blower – you see what I mean. Stay in the good graces of the loaner, develop a good reputation for taking care of others’ property, and you’ll never be short of neighbors and friends willing to help you out. Be slow to take it home, refuse to replace broken parts; don’t compensate for wear and tear and you might find it hard to get your neighbor to the door the next time you knock.

Now the “code” that I’ve described is not overtly Christian. I’ve known many a good neighbor who was not church going folk who would give you the shirt off their back. But the nobility of taking care of other people’s possession is not what I want to focus on. It should be expected that we at least match good behaviors in the culture. The horizons for a Christian are much broader. It is our privilege to “leave it better than you found it” with purpose. In 25-30 years nobody will ever remember that sharp, greased, clean borrowed item that you returned to the loaner. It was important at the time but the importance faded with time. As a Christian we have the privilege of having an eternal significance.

Your church is an opportunity, your job is an opportunity, your family is an opportunity, your relationships are opportunities, and your chance encounters are opportunities. You will be remembered for the quality of what you do in a few things rather than the mediocrity of lots of things. Every place that we go, every person that we meet, every thing that we do, every organization that we join, every job that we do; “Leave it better than you found it,” now that’s “salt and light.”

"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled by men. You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” Matt. 5:13-16

“So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” I Cor. 10:31