A popular song that made a big impression on me as a teenager seemed to be a prayer. I say “seemed” because the song didn’t mention God or prayer. It also didn’t sound like any religious music I’d ever heard. The lyrics were deceptively simple — big truths about character and success in life expressed humbly and winsomely. I wanted to be like that, I remember thinking. It was the best sermon I’d ever heard.

Let Me Be a Little Kinder

Let me be a little kinder,
Let me be a little blinder
To the faults of those about me;
Let me praise a little more.

Let me be when I am weary
Just a little bit more cheery,
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me.

Let me be a little braver
When temptation bids me waver;
Let me strive a little harder
To be all that I should be.

Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker;
Let me think more of my neighbor
And a little less of me.

Let me be when I am weary,
Just a little bit more cheery;
Let me serve a little better
Those that I am striving for.

Let me be a little meeker
With the brother that is weaker,
Think a little more of others
And a little less of me.

—Glen Campbell

If that was what religion was all about, I also remember thinking, it wasn’t so bad. It would be a few more years before I read from the Bible for the first time, but when I did I was pleasantly surprised to learn that was what true Christianity was all about—loving God and others. I was also pleasantly surprised that I didn’t have to muster that love from within myself. It is a gift from God, freely available to anyone who asks for it. All it takes is a simple, sincere prayer. Like that song.

Keith Phillips

For Activated