by Jenny Harrison
Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value.
~~ Albert Einstein
Outwardly, Mother Nature had taken a toll on the sweet lady. Her body was frail and her memory was compromised but the inward spirit, and the years of selfless service to others was beyond impressive.
As she gripped the podium for balance and support, she was obviously overwhelmed with the rousing standing ovation she was receiving. It was never her goal to be recognized by the masses. She desired to make a difference—one child, one life, one soul at a time.
The ones turned to hundreds and thousands as each precious child grew and paid their blessings forward.
While some would measure success with the attainment of wealth, popularity, and honors, this woman of God would strive to be of value to those less fortunate—to ease burdens and spread hope.
As I stood to my feet and joined the exuberant applause in her honor, I thought about how we as Christians can ensure that our contributions can be meaningful and pass through the generations.
Three bible truths came to mind:
1. Everything we have is a gift from God.
Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:16-17 (NIV)
2. Our purpose as Christians is to serve.
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
1 Peter 4:9-11 (NIV)
3. We ARE because of the grace of our Lord.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
1 Corinthians 15:10 (NIV)
In my line of work, individuals may seek my counsel based on credentials, but soon those entrusted in my care will determine if the services offered are merely a job or a work of my heart. This will be the ultimate definition of my character.
Our honoree for the day understood this. She was armed with an unmistakable purpose and keen awareness of the One source of her personal gifts and capabilities. The road that led her to this shining moment was paved with self-sacrifice and a passion to ease the journey for the hurting and less fortunate. Her life was one of significance and value.
How will your life be defined? In the end will the Master reply, “Well done good and faithful servant”?
Matthew 25:23 (NIV)
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.
Galatians 6:2 (NIV)
Copyright © 2014, Jenny Harrison, all rights reserved, Breath of Life Women’s Ministries. Images from Pinterest. Scripture from The Holy Bible, New International Version.
