My Thought for Today

I was weeding out loose items in a half-used journal this morning and found a scrap with these thoughts in its first lines: "Seek conversion of body, soul, and spirit," and ". . . Employing all my powers for the salvation of lost souls." 

 

I think I know what the first comment is saying; it's an experience for which I continue to seek.  But what about the second?  What "powers" do I posess? and how do I make the best use of those powers?  I found this clue in the body of the message - "Unfold your napkin and begin to trade your Lord's goods."  These words must refer to a story told by Jesus and recorded in Luke 19:12-23, where an unwise servant wrapped a sum of money in a napkin and buried it to save it for his master.  A similar story in Matthew 25:15-28 calls the money "talents" - and I think there is a connection between the "powers" we are called to unwrap and the talents distributed by the servants' master.

 

I'm going to rephrase that second comment to read ". . . Employing all my talents for the salvation of lost souls."  I've heard some say, "Oh. I don't have any talents," but I believe they are mistaken - perhaps understanding "talents" to mean abilities to sing beautifully, or to play an instrument, or some other capability.  God has not left anyone out.  For instance, consider your time as a talent.  Each day brings the same 24 hours to each of us, we choose how to spend it.  We can make use of the moments or fritter them away in any number of ways.  There are very few who are not able to speak.  The human voice is a talent which can be used to glorify God in praise, in speaking His word.  It can encourage the weary and brighten a dreary day - or, used carelessly, can cause pain or confusion through harshness or deceit.

 

I may not have great wealth from which to donate large gifts to support God's work among those in need, but if I am a faithful steward of the means in my possession, there are always small sacrifices that will bring increase to His treasury.  Jesus counts the value of our gifts, not by the number of digits to the left of the decimal place, but by the sacrifice required (see Mark 12:41-44 and Luke 22:1-4).  Heaven values the small things; no gift is insignificant!

 

These are some of the basic "powers" to be devoted for saving lost souls.   Can you think of others?  How shall I make the best use of them?  How are you using your "powers"?  I'd love to hear from you - e-mail to cjnward@yahoo.com  

Philippians 1:6   I am confident that He who has begun a good work in you will continue that work until the day of Jesus Christ.