The Power of One Talent

By Mark McCrary

In the recent Olympic Games, Stephen Nedoroscik became an instant world-wide sensation when he helped the US men’s gymnastics team win a bronze medal for his pommel horse routine. Nedoroscik’s only talent is the pommel horse– so much so, he’s known as ”Steve the pommel horse guy.”

It is unusual for one team member to do only one routine. As a young man, Nedoroscik loved gymnastics, but struggled with other routines– except the pommel horse.  So, he focused on it. And focused on it. And focused on it.  

In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus told the parable of the talents.  You will remember, there was the five-talent man, the two-talent man and lastly, the one-talent man.  In the end, the one talent man was condemned, not because he had only one talent, but because he did not use his talent.  

Some Christians have five (or more) talents. They are so active and so good at so many things.  Others may only have two, or even one.  If you feel like you are a one talent Christian, that’s okay.  There’s nothing wrong with having one talent. In fact, there’s great power in just having one talent.  Jesus valued simple service, “And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward” (Matthew 10:42). Just a cup of cold water is valuable.

You likely have more than one talent to be used in service to God, but if you really think you only have one, learn two lessons. First from the one talent man: don’t hide it. Second, from Steve Nedoroscik: do that one thing well. Do it over and over and over again for and to God’s glory.

A Salute to the Faithful

By Norman Pence

Much of the writing, preaching, and visiting that is done today is directed toward the weak and unfaithful. Too often, we do not take time to salute those who are faithful to Christ and His teaching.

There is no sufficient way to show appreciation to those members who have remained “steadfast and unmovable” (1 Cor. 15:58) throughout the years. But you are to be commended for your faithfulness and attendance, even when other activities are taking place that you would normally attend. Whenever work needs to be done, we have come to know that, regardless, you will make the necessary sacrifices to be there and help in any way you can. It is a joy to be around and worship with Christians who display that loving willingness that says, “I am willing to do any and everything I can to help.” Your active desire to grow spiritually has encouraged others to have the same desire. Your love for lost souls has provided ways for many to be taught the truth and become active citizens of the Kingdom of God. Your faithful life has helped weak Christians to wake up, confess faults, and once again become not only hearers of the word, but doers also. You are the ones that constantly encourage the faithful teachers and preachers to remain firm in the truth, and we thank God for people like you.

You are also appreciated because you demand no special attention or praise to keep you happy and faithful in your service and assemblies for Bible study and worship. It’s not necessary for you to have your name mentioned from the pulpit or even written in the bulletin in order for you to make visits, help with the sick and shut-ins, or to invite friends to worship. You count it a blessing to have the opportunity to serve the Lord. You are a shining example to all that see you. And we believe it can be said of you that you are sincerely “seeking first the kingdom of God” (Mt. 6:33).

May God continue to bless you who labor so faithfully. The church will continue to grow because of you. Please don’t give up and thank you for your enduring efforts for Him.

The World Needs Lights

By Mark McCrary
 
Viruses.  Racism.  Injustice.  Riots. Financial upheaval.
 
It is tempting to think that things have never been worse, yet our field of vision over the course of time is very narrow.  The reality is human existence has always been filled with all of the above, along with earthquakes, tsunamis, tornados, famines, awful diseases, conquests, pillagings, dominations, food and water shortages, mosquitoes, snakes, lions and tigers, and bears… and the lists go on and on.
 
Reasons to be upset, scared, anxious, concerned, frustrated and the like are nothing new.  They have been the constant companions of the human experience and while we travel this earth, they always will.
 
Despite these realities, the Bible holds several enticing possibilities before us: we can have hope (Psalm 42:11; 62:5-6; Romans 15:13; 1 Timothy 4:10), joy (Psalm 16:11; John 15:10-12; Galatians 5:22-23 ) and peace with others (Psalm 34:13-15; Isaiah 32:16-17; Luke 2:13-14; Romans 12:17-18; 1 Corinthians 13:11)—even in this life.  It does not give us these things by taking us out of the world, but by giving us tools to use while in this world. What are these tools?
 
There are numerous passages we could look to, but let’s spend a few minutes contemplating Paul’s exhortation to the Philippians: “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life…” (Philippians 2:14-16). 
 
Under inspiration, Paul gives us some simple, doable actions we can put into place in our lives.  First, he tells us not to complain.  All of us complain from time to time.  Sometimes, those complaints move from “time to time” to all the time.  Spend some time this week paying attention to your speech; look over your social media posts.  Be honest. How much do you see yourself complaining? It may be more than you think.  We can post all the Bible verses we like on Facebook or Instagram, but when we complain—especially when people know we are a Christian—we aren’t showing the world that we are any different than anyone else.  So, check your complaining. Complaints stem from too close a proximity to the world.  Paul’s attitude (and Christ’s for that matter) was radical because he focused on different things: “So we do not lose heart. Though our outer self is wasting away, our inner self is being renewed day by day. For this light momentary affliction is preparing for us an eternal weight of glory beyond all comparison, as we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” ( 2 Corinthians 4:16-18).
 
When you make the decision to stop being negative, you must follow that up with an equal decision to being positive— shine as a light.  Point people from the chaos of the world to the love and peace of God.  You aren’t being self-righteous when you decide to model this; people need to see that it really is possible to have the peace that “surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7) in the “midst of a crooked and twisted generation.” People need to hear that injustices are real, that life stinks sometimes, but when one sets their mind on God in obedience, it really can change one’s life and outlook.  We need to be living proof of this.
 
Finally, all of this is made possible because you “hold fast to God’s word.” Every day we are all tempted to cast aside the Biblical teachings to some degree or another. Don’t.  Always remember that real freedom comes from following God and His word (Romans 6:15-19). The more we submit to God’s wisdom rather than our own, the more peace we will have.  Hold on desperately to God and His word.  
 
God needs a hitter this week in this game we call life.  Let’s step up to the plate.

Keeping Up Appearances

By Christy Ganchero

A few months ago, I made a big mistake in my grooming routine – I over-plucked my eyebrows. I am sure most of you didn’t notice (my husband didn’t!), but to me it was devastating. In a frenzy, I bought a bunch of eyebrow makeup and started applying home hair-growing remedies to my brows. For the first few weeks, I was paranoid that everyone would notice my flaw. I spent more and more time watching YouTube tutorials and applying makeup, to the point that I started arriving late to work. I didn’t realize how important my physical appearance was to me until I felt that I’d lost it.

Around week three of my eyebrow drama, I reread this passage:

“I desire then that in every place the men should pray… likewise also that women should adorn themselves in respectable apparel, with modesty and self-control, not with braided hair and gold or pearls or costly attire, but what is proper for women who profess godliness – with good works” (1 Timothy 2:8-9).

I’ve read this passage countless times in my life, but I never felt convicted about Paul’s admonition to women until the eyebrow incident. You see, I had been taught that as long as you did enough “good works,” then you are allowed to braid your hair, wear gold, and buy costly attire. The physical manifestation did not matter as long as one’s heart was in the right place. However, the more I read this passage, the more I realize that the outer adornment of the physical body and our good works are inversely correlated. Meaning, the more that we focus on what we look like on the outside, the less we are able to adorn ourselves with good works.

Thinking about my situation, I could tell that my obsession with my appearance was affecting my priorities. I was arriving later to work, I was spending more money on makeup, and I was focusing my thoughts on my looks throughout the day. Do you know what suffered? My morning study time, which was cut short because I prolonged my makeup routine. My relationship with my coworkers, who had to pick up my slack at work. My focus during services, because I was thinking about others’ perceptions of me. All of these good works suffered because I was thinking about my appearance.

Am I suggesting that we should throw away our gold jewelry and makeup? Not necessarily, although it would be a small sacrifice for gaining Christ (Phil 3:7-8). Rather, we should actively look for ways that we can put aside physical adornments for spiritual ones. How long do you take to get ready in the morning? Consider ditching a morning habit so that you can pray more. Do you purchase makeup, accessories, or clothing that is unnecessary or costly? Maybe donate the money instead, or give your unneeded items to help those in need. Instead of devoting our time and resources to how others will see us, let us focus on how we see others and their needs, which will lead us to grow in good works. May God help you and me to become godly, humble women as we seek His kingdom.