Editor: Richard (Dick) Innes
Published by: ACTS International
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Vol. 17 – No. 0515 January 31, 2015
Thought for the week: "Don't be afraid to take a big step if needed. You can't cross a chasm in two small jumps." – Anonymous
"A true leader has the confidence to stand alone, the courage to make tough decisions, and the compassion to listen to the needs of others. He does not set out to be a leader, but becomes one by the quality of his actions and the integrity of his intent." – Anonymous
Dr. Seamands tells of a Muslim who became a Christian in Africa. "Some of his friends asked him, 'Why have you become a Christian?' He answered, 'Well, its like this. Suppose you were going down the road and suddenly the road forked in two directions, and you didn't know which way to go, and there at the fork in the road were two men, one dead and one alive—which one would you ask which way to go?'"
You can tell a lot about people's character by how they act at the grocery store. I remember being in a crowded store when there was a shortage of shopping carts. A prosperous-looking fellow was pushing a cart when another man stopped him.
"Excuse me," the second man said, "but this is my cart."
The first guy looked really annoyed. Instead of apologizing, he protested, "But someone took my cart."
His wife glared at him, and he reluctantly relinquished his ill-gotten gain. He had ignored the age-old wisdom that two wrongs don't make a right in favor of a distorted version of the Golden Rule: "Do unto others as they have done unto you."
Then there are the folks who change their mind about buying some item and put it on the nearest shelf, rationalizing that the store hires people to put things back. Well, schools employ custodians to clean the halls. Does that mean it's OK for kids to throw their candy wrappers on the floor?
Finally, there are express-line cheaters who enter the "10 items or less" line with 14 items because they're in a hurry, or simply because they love having a competitive edge. They count on the fact that no one will call them on this moral misdemeanor, and even if someone does, they're ready to play lawyer: "It depends on what you call an item. I consider these melons part of the 'fruit group' and I count them as one."
Being considerate, playing by the rules, and setting a good example are important, even in the grocery store.
This is Michael Josephson reminding you that character counts.
"His master replied, 'Well done, good and faithful servant! You have been faithful with a few things; I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!'"1
Theodore Roosevelt said, "It's not the critic who counts, not the one who points out how the strong man stumbled or where the doer of good deeds could have done better.
"The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena: Whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again...
"Who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, and spends himself in a worthy cause...
"Who, at best, knows the triumph of high achievement...
"And who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly so his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory nor defeat."
Every one of us has been given at least one talent; many have been given several. Regardless of whether we have one or many talents, what is important is to use well what God has given and entrusted to us and therewith give life our best shot.
Remember, too: "Only one life 'twill soon be past / Only what's done for Christ will last."
Suggested prayer: "Dear God, grant that I will so live today that when I stand before you face to face, I will hear your welcoming words, 'Well done, good and faithful servant. Enter into the joy of your Lord.' Thank you for hearing and answering my prayer. Gratefully, in Jesus' name, amen."
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