Friday, February 13, 2015
The Ultimate Use of My Life
After graduating from high school I found myself undecided as to how I would use my life. I knew I wanted to attend Abliene Christian University, marry a Christian, and serve God in some way, but couldn't decide between a career in Music (I had studied piano for 12 years), business or professional ministry. I finally decided upon a business major with a minor in Bible. I was selling components for the space industry during the days leading up to our landing on the moon; but, as important as that project seemed at the time, I still wasn't feeling fulfilled. Something was missing. Since I had graduated from a "Christian" university, people on the job kept asking me Bible related questions. A former high school classmate even called me asking me to study the Bible with her husband. I found myself being pulled more and more into a life of professional ministry, something I had been open to but nevertheless resisting since high school. I finally asked my wife one evening, "What would you think if I became a preacher?" Her answer surprised me. She said, "I think it would be great. I've always wanted to marry a missionary." This had never come up in our courting days. A missionary? Wow...! So, I began filling in for ministers on vacation, or congregations with an empty pulpit and after about 6 months was invited to fill a vacancy permanently and things have never been the same. Now I truly felt that I could find nothing better to spend my life doing. I found satisfaction and fulfillment. All of this came to mind today as I was reading the following: "If we court the world’s smiles and wealth and applause, we may make a show, but only for a time. If ours is the breath of prayer, we shall reign when the pomp of earth has vanished for ever away!" While this is true of anyone who serves God in any capacity, I heard it speak to me specifically. For me, Serving God and my fellowman is the ultimate use of my life's energy. What I do and say as a minister and missionary has repercussions not only in this world but also in the world to come. Even a seller of connectors can, by serving God and his fellowman, influence eternity; but, I'm thankful that God called me and gave me the opportunity to do it full time. What we do for God and others has eternal consequences. Spence-Jones, H. D. M. (Ed.). (1909). Revelation (p. 239). London; New York: Funk & Wagnalls Company.
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8 comments:
God has used your willing heart to help so many. Thank you for being willing to let Him lead you. And thank you for the substantial difference that made in my life. Keep writing .
Thank you Jenn. You are very kind.
It thrills me that you have been blessed so richly and that you have spent a life serving Jesus. God is not done with us yet! You remain in my prayers, dear Brother.
You and Jeannie have made a difference in this world. Thank you for all you have done in the Lord's work. We love you.
Albert, I wish you many more years of serving God and others. Looks like you have spent your life doing it. God bless.
Robert Mills, you and Janet are also serving others and have been doing it a long time. We have cans of tuna in the cupboard and you two are welcome any time.
Steve, I thank and praise God for leading you into a lifetime of ministry. You have inspired, instructed, and blessed so many people. You are a hero! Thank you for answering God's call!
May God continue to use you, bless you, and guide you to those who need you!
Jeanette, thank you. You and your grandmother are an inspiration to me. Love you both.
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