One's Best

DO ALL FOR THE GLORY OF GOD

 

“Whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” (1 Corinthians 10:31, NIV)

 

It is said that the Duke of Florence came upon a young workman on his estate

who was fitting together a box with infinite care and patience.

 

“To what use is that box to be put?” the duke asked.

 

“Flowers will be planted in it, sir,” the young man answered.

 

“Then it will be filled with dirt! Why take such pains to make each joint

and surface perfect?” persisted the duke.

 

“I love perfect things,” the workman answered.

 

“It's wasted effort,” said the duke. “No one will observe its perfection.”

 

“My spirit will,” said the young man. “Do you suppose the Carpenter of Nazareth

ever made anything less well than he could? Was he satisfied with anything

less than perfect?”

 

“That's sacrilege and impudence,” stormed the duke.

 

“What's your name?”

 

“Michelangelo Buonarroti, sir.” the young man answered.

 

No wonder Michelangelo's work still inspires people after five centuries!*

 

Suggested prayer, “Dear God, please help me to do all that I do for your glory,

so that my work, no matter how humble, will make a difference in the world

in which I live. Gratefully in Jesus' name. Amen.”

 

* From Let Me Illustrate, by Albert P. Stauderman