Remember the ‘Green Boots’ in Your Society

Daily Devotional – Tuesday, December 12, 2023
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.
Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)

In mountaineering jargon, ‘Green Boots’ refers to an anonymous climber who died in 1996. This determined man was almost reaching the summit of Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on earth, when he fell to his death. His abandoned body now serves as a warning and a landmark for other climbers.

Take An Interest in Others

Strangely, the saddest part of this man’s story is not his death but the fact that his body remains unknown and abandoned. Does he have a family? Why has no one ever thought of taking the body to give it a decent burial? How about fellow mountaineers? Who was climbing with him on that day? Do their consciences prick them for deserting their friend?

It is an indictment of modern society that we have many ‘Green Boots’ in our society. Incidentally, the situation was not different in the first century. That is why Paul urged the Christians in the city of Philippi, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests but also for the interests of others.” (Philippians 2:4).

Remember the ‘Green Boots’ in Your Society

All around us are people in need of our help, but we are neglecting them despite having the ability to do so. For example, on one side of town, a family is throwing away food, while on the other side, a mother and her children sleep on empty stomachs. Similarly, there are people whose closets are full of clothes they don’t wear, while others are almost naked.

When was the last time you checked on a neighbor or friend you had not seen for a long time? Do the many beggars and needy people in your community touch your heart to the point of assisting them? As you look after your own interests, do you remember the ‘Green Boots’ in your society?

Prayer

Almighty God, inculcate in me love and practical kindness for the needy and strangers in my society.