Is Your Harp Happening? Most people confuse making a living and having a life. We make a living by what we get, but we have a life by what we give. Its very possible to have alot to live on but still have nothing to live for. The quality of our giving and the quality of our work will determine the quality of our lives. Among many other reasons, two things that lead to poverty would include : a: Substandard work. b: Lack of giving. Talk to anyone who is poor and you will confirm that its either because they are not working and if they are, they are not good at what they do. Or b: They have no outlets for giving. To support this idea, well read one verse and a story to make comprehension easier. Proverbs 18:16 A mans gift makes room for him and brings him before great men. This verse is widely interpreted by many to mean that if your talented in something, you will automatically be successful. But talent by itself is never enough. Having a talent is like owning a cow. You have to feed it before it can feed your stomach. For your gift to make room for you and bring you before great men, you will either have to exercise it in the audience of the great people, or do it in the hearing of the people who have audience with the great people. Heres proof 1st Samuel 16:14-19 But the spirit of the Lord departed from Saul and a distressing spirit troubled Him. And Sauls servants said to him. Sir,surely your in trouble, but we would like to suggest we get a young man whose (excellent in his work) skillful player to come solve your problem. King Saul answered: Okay then, go look for the best person you can find and bring him to me (Proverbs 22:29 Do you see a man who is skillful in his work, he will stand before kings and not before ordinary men.) One of The Kings servant replied: Sir, I know of a Bethlemite, who is skillful in playing the harp (good at what he does) he is brave, and courageous, he is a good speaker and God is with him. The King then sent the messengers to Jesse saying: Send me your son David, who is with the sheep. Although David was good at what he did, he was good at it to everyone; not just the high and mighty. If you noticed, David had nothing to do with getting his first job in the kings court. It was one of the servants whom David had impacted in the past who gave the king a good report of him. His past was influencing his future. Andy Stanley would say Your present, and the things your doing now, will one day be your past, and your past will be present in your future. David was excellent as a way of life not just before an occasion. His promotion was hidden in his daily routine. They say that success is when preparation meets opportunity. I would add, when opportunity shows up, its too late to prepare. Too many people are dreaming of a destination they havent boarded the right bus to get them there. David joined the kings staff many days before the king knew about him. This happened while he perfected his skill as he served people. Davids gift or service to one of the servants of the king ushered him into the palace. Instead of wasting your time waiting for the big day you will do great things, use your time now to prepare yourself for the day you will meet the kings in your field of influence. Jesus told us to watch and pray. We pray with our eyes closed, but watch when our eyes are open. David prayed as he trusted God while watching as he perfected his playing. He literally watched and played! Another great lesson we can learn from this story is this: Be careful to treat people with dignity on your way up the ladder, for you will need them when your coming down. David must have treated the kings servant with so much honor that he marketed David with so much zeal to the king. Isnt it interesting how we often mistreat and overlook the drivers, cleaners and security men in the companies we hope to work for, not realizing that in our absence, what they tell our potential employers about us will shape their opinion of us. Whether for our demotion or advancement. What harp has God put in your hands? Be good even the best at it, but also remember to be good to people while your at it. Quality work through quality service leads to a quality Life.
Posted on: Mon, 10 Mar 2014 04:51:39 +0000