Pursuing Noble Endeavors: Elevating Life Through Kindness

 

Summary

Life is an indescribable gift, and it's easy to overlook its beauty and the gratitude it deserves. As we reflect on the fleeting nature of life, we are reminded that God has set eternity in our hearts, making each day a miracle. Our focus today is on the wisdom of Philo of Alexandria, who encourages us to pursue noble endeavors. Even if we don't succeed, our souls will be expanded by the effort. This pursuit of noble endeavors is not just about grand gestures but also about the small, everyday acts of kindness and courage that elevate our spirits and those around us.

Jonathan Haidt, a social psychologist, explored the concept of "elevation," the opposite of disgust. Elevation occurs when we witness acts of moral courage or human goodness, causing a physical and emotional response that uplifts us. We are wired to be inspired, and by becoming students of elevation, we can fill our lives with thoughts and actions that elevate us and others.

The stories shared today illustrate the power of noble endeavors. From a college student helping an elderly woman shovel snow to a high school football team ensuring a manager with Down syndrome scores a touchdown, these acts of kindness and courage leave lasting impressions. They remind us that every day offers opportunities to pursue noble endeavors, often for those who cannot reciprocate.

The village of Le Chambon during World War II exemplifies this spirit. Despite the risks, the villagers sheltered thousands of Jews, becoming a "village where goodness happened." Their actions were not dramatic or glamorous but were driven by a commitment to protect and serve others.

In our own lives, pursuing noble endeavors might mean caring for a loved one, as Hank did for his wife Jan, or learning something new, like the 85-year-old woman who earned a degree in theology. These endeavors, whether large or small, expand our souls and bring us closer to the divine. Today, let us commit to pursuing noble endeavors, knowing that our efforts will elevate us and those around us.

Key Takeaways:

1. Life is a fleeting gift, and recognizing its beauty requires gratitude and mindfulness. By living one day at a time and focusing on noble thoughts, we can claim the fullness of life and appreciate the miracle of existence. [00:40]

2. Pursuing noble endeavors, as Philo of Alexandria suggests, expands our souls even if we don't succeed. These endeavors don't have to be grand; small acts of kindness and courage can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of others. [01:26]

3. The concept of "elevation," as described by Jonathan Haidt, highlights our innate capacity to be inspired by acts of moral courage and human goodness. By seeking out and engaging in such acts, we can elevate our spirits and those around us. [02:57]

4. Stories of kindness, like the college student helping an elderly woman or the football team supporting their manager, demonstrate the contagious nature of noble endeavors. These acts create lasting memories and inspire others to pursue goodness. [06:19]

5. Noble endeavors can be quiet and unassuming, like caring for a loved one or pursuing personal growth. These actions, whether seen or unseen, contribute to the expansion of our souls and align us with a higher purpose. [09:43]

Youtube Chapters:

- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:14] - Reflecting on Life's Gift
- [00:40] - Living One Day at a Time
- [00:52] - Wisdom from Philo of Alexandria
- [01:26] - Pursuing Noble Endeavors
- [01:42] - Jonathan Haidt and Elevation
- [02:57] - Becoming Students of Elevation
- [03:11] - Acts of Kindness and Courage
- [04:32] - Everyday Opportunities for Goodness
- [06:32] - The Village of Le Chambon
- [08:24] - Quiet Acts of Devotion
- [09:43] - Expanding Our Souls
- [10:15] - Conclusion and Call to Action

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide

Bible Reading:
1. Ecclesiastes 3:11 - "He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end."
2. Deuteronomy 19:10 - "Do this so that innocent blood will not be shed in your land, which the Lord your God is giving you as your inheritance, and so that you will not be guilty of bloodshed."

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Observation Questions:

1. What does the phrase "God has set eternity in the hearts of men" suggest about our understanding of life and its purpose? [00:27]

2. How does Philo of Alexandria's encouragement to "pursue noble endeavors" relate to the idea of expanding one's soul? [01:26]

3. What is the concept of "elevation" as described by Jonathan Haidt, and how does it manifest physically and emotionally? [02:31]

4. How did the village of Le Chambon exemplify the pursuit of noble endeavors during World War II? [07:50]

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Interpretation Questions:

1. In what ways does the idea of "elevation" challenge or complement the biblical understanding of being inspired by acts of goodness? [02:57]

2. How might the story of the high school football team and their manager with Down syndrome illustrate the contagious nature of noble endeavors? [06:19]

3. What does the commitment of the villagers of Le Chambon teach us about the risks and rewards of pursuing noble endeavors in the face of danger? [08:12]

4. How does the story of Hank and Jan Gay reflect the quiet, unassuming nature of noble endeavors, and what does it reveal about love and devotion? [09:28]

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Application Questions:

1. Reflect on a recent moment when you felt "elevation" from witnessing an act of kindness. How did it impact your day, and how can you create similar moments for others? [02:57]

2. Consider a small, everyday act of kindness you can perform this week. How might this act expand your soul and inspire those around you? [03:11]

3. Think about a situation where you can pursue a noble endeavor for someone who cannot reciprocate. What steps will you take to make this happen? [04:32]

4. How can you incorporate the wisdom of Philo of Alexandria into your daily life by pursuing noble endeavors, even if they seem insignificant? [01:26]

5. Identify a personal goal or skill you want to pursue that aligns with the idea of expanding your soul. What is your first step towards achieving it? [10:15]

6. Reflect on the story of the village of Le Chambon. How can you create a "village where goodness happens" in your own community or circle of influence? [08:24]

7. How can you practice gratitude and mindfulness to better appreciate the fleeting gift of life and the beauty it holds? [00:14]

Devotional

Day 1: Embracing Life's Fleeting Beauty
Life is a precious and fleeting gift, often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of daily existence. Recognizing its beauty requires a conscious effort to cultivate gratitude and mindfulness. By living one day at a time and focusing on noble thoughts, we can claim the fullness of life and appreciate the miracle of existence. This perspective invites us to see each day as a miracle, a chance to engage with the world in a meaningful way. It challenges us to slow down, to notice the small wonders around us, and to express gratitude for the life we have been given. [00:40]

Ecclesiastes 3:11 (ESV): "He has made everything beautiful in its time. Also, he has put eternity into man's heart, yet so that he cannot find out what God has done from the beginning to the end."

Reflection: What small, beautiful aspect of your life can you express gratitude for today, and how can you make time to appreciate it fully?


Day 2: The Soul-Expanding Pursuit of Noble Endeavors
Philo of Alexandria encourages the pursuit of noble endeavors, suggesting that even if we don't succeed, our souls will be expanded by the effort. These endeavors don't have to be grand; small acts of kindness and courage can have a profound impact on our lives and the lives of others. By engaging in these acts, we align ourselves with a higher purpose and contribute to the well-being of those around us. This pursuit is about the journey, not the destination, and it invites us to find meaning in the effort itself. [01:26]

Galatians 6:9 (ESV): "And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up."

Reflection: What is one small act of kindness you can perform today that might expand your soul and positively impact someone else's life?


Day 3: The Uplifting Power of Elevation
Jonathan Haidt's concept of "elevation" highlights our innate capacity to be inspired by acts of moral courage and human goodness. When we witness such acts, we experience a physical and emotional response that uplifts us. By seeking out and engaging in these acts, we can elevate our spirits and those around us. This idea encourages us to become students of elevation, filling our lives with thoughts and actions that inspire and uplift. It reminds us that we are wired to be inspired and that we have the power to inspire others through our actions. [02:57]

Hebrews 10:24 (ESV): "And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works."

Reflection: Can you recall a recent moment when you felt elevated by witnessing an act of goodness? How can you create a similar moment for someone else today?


Day 4: The Contagious Nature of Kindness
Stories of kindness, like the college student helping an elderly woman or the football team supporting their manager, demonstrate the contagious nature of noble endeavors. These acts create lasting memories and inspire others to pursue goodness. They remind us that every day offers opportunities to pursue noble endeavors, often for those who cannot reciprocate. By engaging in these acts, we contribute to a ripple effect of kindness and compassion that can transform communities and lives. [06:19]

Proverbs 11:25 (ESV): "Whoever brings blessing will be enriched, and one who waters will himself be watered."

Reflection: Think of a simple act of kindness you can do today that might inspire others to do the same. How can you make this a regular practice in your life?


Day 5: Quiet Acts of Devotion and Personal Growth
Noble endeavors can be quiet and unassuming, like caring for a loved one or pursuing personal growth. These actions, whether seen or unseen, contribute to the expansion of our souls and align us with a higher purpose. They remind us that the most meaningful endeavors are often those that go unnoticed by the world but are deeply significant to those involved. By committing to these quiet acts of devotion, we draw closer to the divine and find fulfillment in the journey of personal growth. [09:43]

Colossians 3:23-24 (ESV): "Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ."

Reflection: What is one quiet, unassuming act of devotion or personal growth you can commit to today that aligns with your higher purpose? How can you ensure it becomes a consistent part of your life?

Quotes


and what an indescribable gift life is and how easy it is for us to miss it and to miss the beauty and miss the gratitude and what a profound think it is that uh all flesh is as the grass it goes so fast and yet got to set eternity in the hearts of men and that is such a miracle to actually be alive [00:00:18]

pursue noble endeavors pursue noble endeavors for even if you do not succeed your soul will be expanded by them pursue noble endeavors [00:01:19]

he said when we hear stories that are uplifting to us when we hear stories of moral courage or human goodness something happens inside of us and we actually physically there's a common response we'll experience a kind of lightning inside and an expansiveness in our chest and sometimes they sense at or close to tears and this is elevation apparently we are wired to be inspired [00:02:27]

and of course what we so often neglect to see is every day of our lives is a possibility to pursue noble endeavors very often they will be for people that can't reciprocate that can't do anything back [00:04:28]

and the people of la chambon said uh we will take them in at the risk of their own lives and over the course of world war ii they saved about 5 000 people about 3 500 of them were jewish and they never took a vote they had kind of code language for this one of them would say to somebody else i hear that your niece is visiting you this week yes actually two nieces are visiting me [00:07:45]

sometimes you will pursue noble endeavors in ways that um will not be at all dramatic or glamorous i think of a couple at the church where i served many years hank and jan gay and uh four years ago uh jan gay the wife got a debilitating muscular degenerative disease and hank was a very successful very effective business guy but he took a real early retirement so that he would be able to watch over his wife [00:08:24]

he spent a lifetime pursuing noble endeavors so that's your word for today that's my word for today doesn't have to be dramatic it could be something that you do for another person who will never know about it could be an act of service it could be to devote yourself to trying to learn something that will expand you [00:09:39]

i read about a woman who's 85 years old she just got a bachelor's degree graduated from college didn't start till after her husband died she was an old woman got a degree in theology because she's looking forward to what she has yet to come it could mean what you're going to learn could mean trying to master something new [00:09:58]

and thanking god for that today in small quiet ways or large ones in ways that will stretch you whether or not they appear to be successful today pursue noble endeavors and your soul will expand [00:10:18]

and this woman thought he must live close by here he just wanted to save everybody the rest of that trip but she looked and she saw there was an elderly woman struggling to try to shovel the snow from this blizzard and this guy went to the woman and introduced himself and said i see that you're trying to shovel would you let me do that could i help you would it be okay if i shoveled [00:03:36]

and the coach called the timeout and went over to the coach of the other team to ask would it be okay if we were to allow this guy to be in there for one snap we would sometimes practice a play he said where he would take the ball and just kneel down and uh everybody would be safe and the opposing coach said well it's okay if he plays but i don't want him to take a knee i want him to score a touchdown [00:05:15]

and the title of this book it was written by an ethicist philip halley is taken from the book of deuteronomy that gives instructions about what in the ancient world in israel were called cities of refuge where if you were a fugitive if you were on the run if people were trying to kill you you could go to a city of refuge and the instruction dunami 1910 was to take them in and protect them and guard them lest they should be murdered and innocent blood be shed and you bear the guilt [00:07:22]

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Transcript
What was the most surprising thing in this sermon?
Were there any personal stories shared?