One of the many things I like about God is His ability to speak to a person, especially when it is least expected.
I was rummaging around the basement of an old house, looking for interesting things, antiques, valuables, etc. I happened upon a trophy that was sitting in the corner. It was a good size, had the person's name on it and the inscription, "1985 State Bowling Champion, Adult Division" As I looked at it, I noticed that the stand was broken, parts of the trophy had chipped off and it was covered in a good layer of dust.
I thought to myself, "that trophy represents a lot of hard work and accomplishment, too bad that it is discarded and just thrown away in a basement."
My next thought, which I think came from God, was "that could be your trophy. What kind of things are you working hard for?"
What was interesting was the timing of this find. I had just received my PhD* and was getting prepared to speak to a group of men about what God desires for men.
What went thru my mind next was the hard work that I endured to receive this degree and then, in my mind, I saw my diploma laying in a trash can.
I felt such unworthiness.
What God was telling me was that I need to spend my life in doing things that have eternal value.
Some day, I'm gonna be dead and what are people gonna say about me? "He was smart. He knew his stuff. But look at all the people he ignored while he was being so full of himself."
I imagine my diploma being placed in the casket with me and being placed into the ground as if it was my greatest accomplishment. I don't want my education to be the greatest thing that I have done.
What does God say about what is important? What does He desire of men?
Here are just a few verses that instantly pop into my mind:
- It is God's will that you be sanctified: That you should avoid sexual immorality.
- To follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts
- To keep oneself from being polluted by the world
- To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God
What do think? What does God desire of you?
What kind of things are you working hard for?
BE HOLY.
BE A MAN.
*Anyone who knows me, knows my joke, PhD means "post hole digger" or "push here dummy."
I was rummaging around the basement of an old house, looking for interesting things, antiques, valuables, etc. I happened upon a trophy that was sitting in the corner. It was a good size, had the person's name on it and the inscription, "1985 State Bowling Champion, Adult Division" As I looked at it, I noticed that the stand was broken, parts of the trophy had chipped off and it was covered in a good layer of dust.
I thought to myself, "that trophy represents a lot of hard work and accomplishment, too bad that it is discarded and just thrown away in a basement."
My next thought, which I think came from God, was "that could be your trophy. What kind of things are you working hard for?"
What was interesting was the timing of this find. I had just received my PhD* and was getting prepared to speak to a group of men about what God desires for men.
What went thru my mind next was the hard work that I endured to receive this degree and then, in my mind, I saw my diploma laying in a trash can.
I felt such unworthiness.
What God was telling me was that I need to spend my life in doing things that have eternal value.
Some day, I'm gonna be dead and what are people gonna say about me? "He was smart. He knew his stuff. But look at all the people he ignored while he was being so full of himself."
I imagine my diploma being placed in the casket with me and being placed into the ground as if it was my greatest accomplishment. I don't want my education to be the greatest thing that I have done.
What does God say about what is important? What does He desire of men?
Here are just a few verses that instantly pop into my mind:
- It is God's will that you be sanctified: That you should avoid sexual immorality.
- To follow the way of love and eagerly desire spiritual gifts
- To keep oneself from being polluted by the world
- To act justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God
What do think? What does God desire of you?
What kind of things are you working hard for?
BE HOLY.
BE A MAN.
*Anyone who knows me, knows my joke, PhD means "post hole digger" or "push here dummy."
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