Using Whatever We Have

by Dr. Paul Chappell

“And Jesus said, Let her alone; why trouble ye her? she hath wrought a good work on me. For ye have the poor with you always, and whensoever ye will ye may do them good: but me ye have not always. She hath done what she could: she is come aforehand to anoint my body to the burying. Verily I say unto you, Wheresoever this gospel shall be preached throughout the whole world, this also that she hath done shall be spoken of for a memorial of her.”
Mark 14:6–9

Critics of D. L. Moody were quick to point out that his messages, while intense, were hardly models of proper use of the English language. The story goes that after one sermon, a man came up to Moody and said, “By the way, I noticed that you made eleven mistakes in grammar in your sermon tonight.”
“That is very likely,” replied Mr. Moody. “I don’t doubt it for a minute. My early education was faulty. I often wish that I had received more schooling. But I am using all the grammar I know in the service of Christ. How is it with you?”
It is easy for us to criticize others for perceived flaws in the way they live for and serve God, but that is the wrong focus. “Who art thou that judgest another man’s servant? to his own master he standeth or falleth. Yea, he shall be holden up: for God is able to make him stand” (Romans 14:4). Rather than condemning those who we feel do not measure up, we should be concerned with whether we are maximizing the gifts God has given to us to accomplish the most for Him. The measure God uses to evaluate our work is whether we have done all that we could, not how much we are capable of doing. It is a sin to waste the talents we have been given.
 

Today’s Growth Principle: 

There may be people more talented than you, but there do not have to be any people more committed than you.

CURRENT RADIO SERIES Breaking Free   CURRENT TV SERIES Unchained

But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you. --Matthew 6:33 You know, some people think of God’s will like some kind of cosmic Easter egg hunt. But God’s not playing hide and seek with you. This isn’t some guessing game where God is saying, “You’re getting warmer. Oh, now you’re cooler.” No! Our lives are not left to fate or fortune or circumstances. God wants you to know his will more than you want to know it! And it’s not something you have to fear, either. You may have heard me say this before, but it bears repeating: God will choose for you what you would choose for yourself if you had sense enough to choose it. It’s true! God always leaves his best to those who leave the choice with him! Now this doesn’t mean that God’s will is always easy. Sometimes God’s plan can be dangerous and difficult. Just ask Jim Elliott, the martyred missionary who died for his faith taking the gospel to South America. God’s will may not be easy, but it is always best, always perfect, always good, and always acceptable! Don’t wait until all else fails to try God’s will! Seek God’s kingdom first! Martin Luther put it this way, “Love God and do what you want to do.” Love God with all your heart, mind, soul, and strength, and he’s going to lead you.   OUR LIVES ARE NOT LEFT TO FATE OR FORTUNE OR CIRCUMSTANCES.