I heard the parable of the pencil the other day and thought it well depicts what a Christian should expect of Christianity. There are five things the pencil maker tells the pencil when he puts it in a box to be shipped off to the owner.

The first is that if you allow yourself to be held in someone's hands you'll be used for greatness. A Christian must be willing and able to be used of God for the purpose in which he/she was created. A willing spirit is the first step to greatness.

The second being the need to be sharpened from time to time, which undoubtedly will hurt. For your mighty works to be seen vividly by all you need to be refined periodically. Brace yourself for this and you'll reap the rewards of a Christian willing to be refined for change.

The third is that the most important part of who you are is within you. For the pencil it's the lead, for you, it's what the spirit of God has placed within you, your personality, your character, your inner man. If you keep this in mind you'll always guard it preciously from the outside, protecting its integrity, but also allowing it be the most visible to the world, letting your light shine so bright.

The fourth message to the pencil is to leave a mark wherever he/she goes. The pencil was made for this purpose, you also were created for the same purpose, that your light may shine so bright wherever you go. Matt 5:14-16 says You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden. 15 Nor do they light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a lamp-stand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven. You are not to conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind (Romans 12:2), letting the works of The Lord and the fruit of the spirit be seen through you.

Lastly, the pencil has the luxury of correcting its mistakes which a pen does not. Knowing that when you erase an error, there might still be some residue on the paper, but you're certainly permitted to fix those mistakes. A Christian should take whatever opportunity presents itself to correct mistakes made and ensure the lasting legacy or mark left behind glorifies God.

Live your life like a pencil as a Christian, and The Good Lord will bless all your efforts, amen.

Best wishes,

L.B.

#Purpose #Life