Not Either or ... but Both and
"And whatever you do, in word or deed, do
everything in the Name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father
through Him." Colossians 3:17
It was a number of years ago when I was invited to a luncheon at a Greek
Orthodox Church.
After the meal I and a friend took a tour of the facility which had been
recently remodeled. As we wandered through the chancel a very, very old lady
came up to me. Mistaking me for one of the congregation's priests she took my
hand and kissed it.
It was a moving moment, and no one needed to tell me it was undeserved. Although
I recognized she was showing respect for the office and not the man, in all
probability I was standing in the presence of a far greater saint than I could
ever hope to be.
One thing my years in the ministry have taught me is this: God's saints are not
always found where you expect them. As proof, I submit this prayer which was
written by a 19-year-old girl who was working as a servant girl in London during
the 1800s. That means she was working six days a week, 12 to 15 hours a day.
She wrote this, and it is offered for all who wonder if the Lord can use you.
"Lord of all pots and pans and things, since I've no time to be a saint by doing
lovely deeds or watching late with Thee, or dreaming in the dawn's light or
storming heaven's gates, make me a saint by getting meals and washing up the
plates! Although I may have Martha hands, I have a Mary mind; so when I black
the boots and shoes, Thy sandals, Lord, I find! I think of how they trod the
earth each time I scrub the floor. Accept this meditation, Lord; I haven't time
for more. Warm all the kitchen with Thy love, and light it with Thy peace.
Forgive me all my worrying and make all grumbling cease. Thou who didst love to
give men food in room or by the sea, accept this service that I do -- I do it
unto Thee."
What a wonderful thing the Holy Spirit can do with a willing heart; what a
blessed life can be lead by those who know the Savior.
It is my prayer that her prayer will be ours.
THE PRAYER: Dear Lord, for all You have given, for Your many blessings bestowed,
I give thanks. For a Savior who has saved me and continues to be with me, my
praises. Now may all I do, things both large and small, reflect to the world His
love in my life. In His Name. Amen.
Pastor Ken Klaus Lutheran Hour Ministries
http://www.lhm.org/ all rights reserved; not to be
duplicated without permission.