Signs of the Times

with contributions from Eugene Carr, K. G. Bond

Eugene Carr in an article in the Marion Star, Ohio

We are not meant to live and work in the middle ground of mediocrity. We are meant to apply ourselves, to the best of our individual abilities, to the work at hand—to use and develop our knowledge and skills to the fullest. Anything less is a violation of the trust our Maker placed in us when He gave us hands and minds with which to work.

Nothing is more appropriate to this theme than the Biblical parable of the talents. One worker loafed on the job and did nothing at all with his opportunity. The other two made the most of what they had, even though their abilities had, even though their abilities and resources were not equal.

Which one was the complainer, the worrier, full of fear and frustration? Which was caught in the dull monotony of failure?

Which were happy, pround, confident, glorified, rewarded?

Rev. K. G. Bond in The Methodist Sydney, Australia

I am sure we may all ... at times wish that we could do some great thing, or arrive at greatness of character. We may see others who have gone to the top ... either in their business or in their Christian life. If only we could do the same in our own way: if only we could do some greater service, or be something so much better in character, how much more satisfying life would be!

Well, maybe God needs us most to do little things for Him, and as for greatness of character which we may all find in life with God, it is never given to us apart from care in the little things of the Christian life. Think of that! In caring for the little things for God, we shall be on the only road to Christian greatness....

Think of the things which have helped you greatly along your Christian way. An odd word here, a little example there, a revealing kindness at some other time—these will be the many little things which other people have done, through which God will have come to us. ... Never be afraid ... that to be a Christian is going to demand of us something we cannot give. Never be disappointed if it seems that you are only able to serve in a small place amongst few people, doing only little things. These are the most important and the best of all. It may be that one day God will want something great or prominent of us, but the way to that lies along the road of doing the little duties. And God will use our little duties and examples to great ends.

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April 13, 1957

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