Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Thursday June 8, 2006

Most people would like a definitive answer to the question, "What is the primary secret of lasting success?" Would you like one of my opinions? I say one, because my answer depends on what day it is, how I feel and the cause of my most recent failure! The same is true of the myriad of success gurus I have known, read after and even personally consulted over many years.

At least one of the paramount ingredients of enduring success is one that all agree on. I found a little story from Charles Shultz, who had his share of enduring success with his comic strip featuring the lovable Peanuts. The cartoon in question shows the so perfect Lucy, and the not so put together Linus:

'Lucy demands for Linus to change TV channels, threatening him with her fist if he doesn't. Linus asks: "What makes you think you can walk right in here and take over?"

"These five fingers," says Lucy. "Individually they're nothing but when I curl them together like this into a single unit, they form a weapon that is terrible to behold."

"Which channel do you want," asks Linus. Turning away, he looks at his fingers and says, "Why can't you guys get organized like that?"'

The organization of time, talent and treasure is the subject of most serious business, educational and religious institution writing. I suppose the same is true of military journals.

No matter how grand or grandiose your goals and objectives, failure to organize the 'stuff' at hand will guarantee failure.

The proper dispensing of your time, talent and treasure is imperative to an enduring personal life of growth and joy in daily living. The scriptures are clear that we will give account of the use or misuse of the time, talent and treasure the Lord has entrusted to us, which if used properly enables us to function for His glory thus touching the lives of people around us.

Most pastors know that the primary cry of the 'saints' in our day is, "But pastor I just don't have the time." Everyone has 24 hours per day, some of which is to be set aside exclusively for service to the Lord, in devotions, studying to show approval and to bless others. The same is true of the use of talent, or the gifts given to us by the Holy Spirit. The same is true in the proper use of treasure. It's true that overusing in one of these areas does not compensate for the unbalance in other areas. You cannot give enough to make up for having no time for Jesus.

Go ahead, make a fist. Do you have a well organized 'terrible' weapon?

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2006 Use with credit.

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