Christian Living

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Larry Lilly's Letter Tuesday March 6, 2007

I often wonder why the Lord decided to place me in a rather constrictive church and I admit to chafing a little over the years. My long time friend Greg Dixon sent the following piece a few days ago when I was weary of shoveling snow from church sidewalks and fighting off the effects of brutal cold and letting the devil sing the siren song of sandy beaches and warm breezes year round. Okay, so you are troubled by my honesty, and so am I, for it hurts to admit that I am after all these years still more than a wee bit carnal. Oh, for the oft lambasted flowery beds of ease!!

Here is the little piece that Doc sent:

"Imagine a statue placed in a far room, suppose someone were to ask that statue why it was not closer to its master."

"Because my master has put me here."

"And what profit do you gain?"

"I'm not here for my profit, I'm here to serve and obey the will of my master."

"But you don't see him."

"No, but he sees me, and takes pleasure in seeing me where he has put me."

"Wouldn't you like to go near him?"

"No, I am where my master has placed me, and his good pleasure is the joy of my being."

To be satisfied with 'place' is one of the greatest steps in growing in grace!! I can not count the number of men and a few women who honestly think that 'Someplace else' is the sum of all things. I talked with a fellow preacher from another state not long ago who assured me that if he had another mans church, he called his name, he would show the world just how great a saint he really is. Reminded me of an old Russian proverb which states,

"Never think how good you would look in another man's coat."

Paul taught us the truth, "Godliness with contentment is great gain." Okay, so I need a little work in this area, but being aware of my need helps me to deal with the true facts of the case. The pedestal upon which God has placed me, like the statue, may be small or large, but mine is to thank the Lord that He has placed me, and I will do what can be done with what I have, where I am and I am doing it now. I recall the joy Mom would have when she returned from errands and would find me still playing in the road where she had told me to wait for her. The memories of my childhood are dear to my heart.

Larry Lilly Copyright © 2007 Use with credit

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