The Chain of Love
By Justin March

“You don’t owe me a
thing, I’ve been there too

Someone once helped me
out, Just the way I’m helping you

If you really want to
pay me back, Here’s what you do

Don’t let the chain of
love end with you.”

“The Chain of Love”
Clay Walker

There are many kinds of chains in this world. Some are delicate, like the
necklace that hangs around your neck, and some are strong, like the one used to
tow your boats and trailers. But no matter the shape, size, density, or
thickness, all chains have one thing in common. They are made up of links
designed to keep the chain together.

When I think about our fragile world, I can relate it to those delicate chains
we wear around our necks. We tend to be careful with them because they are
usually attached to some precious stone, locket, or cross that would be
devastating to lose. We handle the chain with care, we do everything we can to
make sure the links are secure, and we treat that chain like it is important
and loved. It becomes part of who we are, and we often go to great lengths to
preserve the precious gift that lies against our chest. And, if that chain ever
breaks, we make sure we take it to the jeweler to be made whole again.

Are we making sure we are living our lives like they are as important as this
fragile treasure? We are all a link in God’s precious chain, and He is asking
us to nurture, love, and care for this gift He has bestowed upon us. There are
many forces willing to tear this chain apart, and the links are always
vulnerable when they hold something as precious as God’s love for His people.

So, how do we make sure our links stay strong? How do we protect God’s chain
and make sure it continues to promise a life full of love and peace? Sometimes
I think we make it too complicated, and when challenged with something we think
we are unable to handle, we forget we are linked to one another. We forget to
lean on each other, we forget there is strength in numbers, and we forget that
the chain we are part of is much too precious to ever let break.

I do not think it takes much to keep our chain together. Each simple handshake,
each simple embrace, and each simple “I love you” strengthens the links. Every
time we volunteer at an organization that helps the disadvantaged, every time
we teach our children the messages God provides, and every time we help a
friend or neighbor in need, the chain gets stronger. And before you know it,
all the good deeds and all the precious moments we spend together, become an
unbreakable bond that even the best saw, bolt cutter, or flamethrower finds
impossible to penetrate.

Never miss the opportunity to keep your links tight. Never miss the opportunity
to connect and make sure our chains stay strong. And never miss the opportunity
to help another so they too can hold the chain together that make this world a
better place. God is calling us to hold His precious gifts dear, and He is
asking us to take care of each link and treat it like it is important and
loved.

As you head out this week to face what God puts in front of you, remember this.
God’s gifts were free. You don’t owe him a thing. But there have been many
times in your life where He helped you out, surrounded you with love through
His gracious followers, and bestowed upon you precious treasures that need to
be nurtured and cared for. It does not take much to pay Him back, and the fact
is, He does not even ask us to. But if you want the links to stay strong, make
sure you are always open to helping another in need, always open to loving each
other unconditionally, and always aware that you should never let the chain of
love end with you.