An elementary school teacher was trying to teach her 3rd-grade class about the golden rule.

She said, “Now class, we were put here to help others.”

A little boy raised his hand.

“Yes, Johnny?” the teacher asked.

Johnny exclaimed, “Well, what are the others here for?”

I love the way little kids think!

The boy’s question seems logical if you view the world as divided between the “haves” and the “have-nots.”

In every society, some are in a better position to give aid to the “others” who need help.

I believe we ought to live unselfishly, looking for ways to help other people.

But the truth is that all of us will find ourselves in the “others” category many times.

I may start each day able to help others.

But if my car breaks down on 378, instantly I am one of the “others.”

I know people who were in good health and loved helping others.

But a sudden stroke or car accident put them in the “others” category.

No doubt you have heard the saying, “There but for the grace of God go I.”

It’s attributed to an English preacher named John Bradford (1510–1555).

However, he was recorded as saying, “But for the grace of God there goes John Bradford.”

He made this statement upon seeing a group of criminals being led to their executions.

Perhaps he had a premonition about himself. At age 45 on July 15, 1555, he was executed by burning at the stake.

Queen Mary (Bloody Mary) had ascended to the throne and began making reprisals against those who opposed Catholicism.

John Bradford, the helper became one of the “others.”

But in his martyrdom, his help came from the Lord.

His last words to a fellow martyr were, “Be of good comfort brother; for we shall have a merry supper with the Lord this night!”

Always be a helper to others, but never be too proud to sing, “It’s a-me, it’s a-me, O Lord, standin’ in the need of prayer!”

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Dan Williams is the senior adult pastor at Lexington Baptist Church.