1250) In my current teaching job, I have been assigned recess duty. I rarely mind it, even when it’s bitterly cold here in Maine. When I’m not actively taking care of some tween calamity, I like to watch the kids play. Lately, one of their favorite games is tag. As you know, one person is “it” and “it” chases after others, trying to tag them. Unfortunately, there are often times when this tagging becomes over-the-top and I have to call a halt to the game.

This game of tag comes to mind when I think of the part of 1 Thessalonians 5:15, which reads, “strive to do what’s good for others.” The word “strive” here means to pursue or chase after others, looking for opportunities to do them good.

Even though I’m not always good at this type of chasing, I can recognize that if I’m spending my time looking to do good for others, I’m less focused on myself. Does this mean I overlook the care and things I need to be healthy in all areas? I don’t think so, but what it means is I make it a priority to look for opportunities to do good for others.

If all of us did this for one another, the resulting unity and contentment can change the world. What are you chasing?