WHERE IS THE FOCUS OF YOUR LIFE?

Today's promise: God has great rewards for those who remain faithful

Where is the focus of your life?

"Physical exercise has some value, but spiritual exercise is much more important, for it promises a reward in both this life and the next. This is true, and everyone should accept it. We work hard and suffer much in order that people will believe the truth, for our hope is in the living God, who is the Savior of all people, and particularly of those who believe."

1 Timothy 4:8-10 NLT

The faithful worker

A friend of Bernie May's (U.S. division director of Wycliffe) had the opportunity to meet a king and queen. This man worked in a tiny nation, doing community-development work. Struggling to encourage tribal people living in the high mountain valleys was difficult, and he often wondered if he was doing any good. It was easy to get discouraged.

He was invited to a stand-up dinner party on the castle lawn, hosted by the queen. He felt deeply honored to be invited. In the crowd of about 400 local people, he stood out as an obvious Westerner.

The king and queen spent an hour and a half going through the crowd, greeting each guest. When the royal couple came to May's friend, he told them his name and the work he was doing. The king hesitated. He was not familiar with the mountain village where the man worked. The queen, who had met him earlier, gave a brief explanation to the king. The king then asked how long he had been there.

He replied, "Sixteen years." The king seemed touched. Looking him in the eye, he said meaningfully, "Excellent." He then moved on to the next person.

Bernie May's friend admitted it was a short conversation, but that was all he needed to hear. He had heard the king say, "Excellent."

From John Blanchard, The Truth for Life (H.E. Walter) quoted in 1001 Great Stories and Quotes by R. Kent Hughes (Tyndale) p 201

Content is derived from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation and other publications of Tyndale Publishing House