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DEUTERONOMY | 10:17 God — DEUT443 Instead of using whatever prominence and ...

DEUT443 Instead of using whatever prominence and influence we have only to advance ourselves, should use it to help others. [This verse] describes the Lord as "the God of Gods and the Lord of lords," while the next verse tells us that "God executes justice for the fatherless and the widow." The first verse speaks of God's preeminence, while the second suggests that one of God's greatest concerns is to help the vulnerable. Similarly, successful people should imitate God by helping "the fatherless and the widow," and all others who are vulnerable. A friend who has achieved considerable fame confided that its greatest benefit is that it makes it easier to do good for others. For example, he knows that if he, as a well-known person, calls someone who is sick, his fame will help the vulnerable person feel better about him-or herself ("The fact that an important person calls me means that I am important"), more so than if the call came from a less prominent person. (This is not fair, but, fair or unfair, this is how the world works.) We should also use whatever prominence and connections we have to make calls or write letters of recommendation to help people find employment or a better job. What a different take on fame in a society in which prominent people who are not afforded the respect they take for granted are known to shout, "Do you know who I am?"

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Source KeyTELVOL1
Verse10:17
Keyword(s)God
Source Page(s)221-2
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