Daily Jewel

by Pastor Carnell, McAlester, OK

“Spreading the Wealth!
“Many are helped by useful instruction…” – Proverbs 10:21 (NIV)

All of us have at one time or another been the recipient of another’s wise instruction—or better said, on the receiving end of a teacher/instructor who love to teach and love those they teach.
I have mentioned this in a previous message but I feel I must do so again to make this point come home. There is an individual—I will not refer to him by name, which to this day remains a great source of strength to me as a friend, mentor, and a continual source of spiritual instruction.
As a Pastor, he has been a model shepherd—leading many from spiritual infancy to maturity in Christ. His legacy will not be in the number of buildings that have been named after him but in the number of those whose names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life—who are walking in the paths of righteousness because of his dedication to the Word of God—His obedience to the Will of God—His passion to serve the Lord His God.
It is amazing the impact that this one man has had—but it must be said that his influence is being felt in a number of other places thanks to the fact that several today are in full-time ministry—leading others to spiritual maturity in Jesus Christ. He was, and remains to this day a great “encourager” which when translated simply means, “to inspire courage.” He makes you want to do your best not just for the sake of a project but as a person and mostly, as a Christian.
The Apostle Paul was an encourager. Just read the book of Philippians! His heart’s purpose was to lead people in this path.
Does one have to be a pastor to have this sort of influence? Absolutely not!! When DAVE THOMAS died in early 2002, he left behind more than just thousands of Wendy’s restaurants. He also left a legacy of being a practical, hard-working man who was respected for his down-to-earth values.
Among the pieces of good advice that have outlived the smiling entrepreneur is his view of what Christians should be doing with their lives. Thomas, who as a youngster was influenced for Christ by his grandmother, said that believers should be "roll-up-your-shirt sleeves" Christians. In his book Well Done, Thomas said, "Roll-up-your-shirtsleeves Christians see Christianity as faith and action. They still make the time to talk with God through prayer, study Scripture with devotion, be super-active in their church and take their ministry to others to spread the Good Word." He went on to say they are "anonymous people who are doing good for Christ who may be doing even more good than all the well-known Christians in the world."
That statement has more meat in it than a Wendy’s triple burger. Thomas knew about hard work in the restaurant business; and he knew it is vital in the spiritual world also. Is there someone that you can pin-point who has had a great influence on you in your spiritual formation? Then show them your appreciation by returning their investment and touch another’s life in the same manner. Let’s Roll-up-our-shirt sleeves, there is plenty to do.
Pastor J. T. Carnell