"Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up" (Galatians 6:9).
Last year, while visiting family members in Arkansas, we heard their minister Jackie Chesnutt make a powerful point in a sermon that Sunday morning. He asked the congregation, "How would you like to be able to donate $5,000 to an orphanage?" Jackie explained that he knew that few members of the church could make such a large one-time contribution. However, he told the story of a member of the congregation who had donated $25 a month for over 20 years to a Christian charity. He never could have made a large one-time donation, but his small donations over a number of years added up to a large sum of money. Jackie was illustrating the impact of our small but consistent good deeds for the sake of Christ in the world.
Jackie's story gives hope to those of us who may never be able to accomplish anything close to what we would like to do. I may never be able to give a $5,000 donation to an adoption agency, but I can give some money every month. I cannot match Bill Gates' donations to alleviate global poverty, but I can sponsor a child in the Dominican Republic for a few dollars every month. I may not be able to fill stadiums around the world with people eager to hear me talk about Jesus, but I can put in a good word for him on my job (or even on my blog). I may not be able to reverse the divorce rate in America, but I can love my wife. I may not be able to prevent every case of child abuse or neglect in the world, but I can love my son.
I can't do everything I would like to do, but by the grace of God, I can do something. I simply need to persevere. Eventually, I hope to see a positive cumulative effect from consistently seeking to honor Christ and love people.
(Please check out Jackie Chesnutt's blog in my blog roll. You will find consistent encouragement in your walk with God.)
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4 comments:
I'm with you. My husband and I can't donate large sums, but we do sponsor a child in Ethiopia through World Vision. We feel that she is part of our family and can't wait to meet her one day. More than likely we'll meet her in heaven, but that's OK. ;0)
Christy,
We sponsor a child through the Christian Relief Fund, but we receive World Vision's e-mails on a regular basis. They do a lot of good work on many levels. Thanks for the comment!
Terry, you consistently share encouragement. What you and your family do, along with other so many other devoted folks in Tulsa, is one of the 'feel good' stories of the lifestyle you speak of. I love you.
ps Now, can you tell me how to handle Jerry??????????
Thanks, Jackie! I'm always encouraged by what I read or hear from you. As far as Jerry goes, I was hoping you could give me a few ideas:)
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