Development:
This week, I’ve been reminded of a verse in 1 Corinthians 13, where it says:
When I was a child, I made use of a child’s language, I had a child’s feelings and a child’s thoughts – now that I am a man, I have put away the things of a child.”1.
Anyhow, as I began to think-over these words, I stumbled across something which Sir Isaac Newton said – shortly before his death:
“I do not know what I may appear to the world – but to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the sea-shore – and diverting myself by now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than ordinary – while the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me.”
This was a profound statement, especially as one takes into consideration his achievements.
Isaac Newton was a natural philosopher – generally regarded as the most original and influential theorist in the history of science.
In addition to his invention of the infinitesimal calculus and a new theory of light and colour – Newton transformed the structure of physical science with his three laws of motion and the law of universal gravitation.2.
What a genius!
Sure-enough, he was dazzlingly gifted!
Still, even with his achievements, to himself, he seemed only like a boy playing on the sea-shore – while the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before him.
So, why did Newton say this?
Maybe he was daunted by the fact there was “so much more” to achieve.
Maybe he knew he hadn’t reached his potential!
In the “grand scheme” of things, maybe he felt insignificant.
Who knows!
But maybe, just maybe, we can learn something today.
Friends, God has given us certain abilities, natural qualities and talents – and we have a responsibility for the “development” of those gifts.
And listen, God has no interest in diminishing or devaluing our individuality.
He created us each as unique individuals, “deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth.”3.
For this reason, let’s do our best.
Let’s work from the heart for God.4.
After-all, it’s God who has given each of us a gift from His great variety of special gifts.
Let’s use them well to serve one another.5.
Okay, the hardest part for most of us is sitting down and thinking about what God wants us to do.
But know this, God appointments are awaiting us each day – at home, at work, at school, at play!
So, whatever turns up, grab it and do it. And heartily!
Yes? Yes!!
Amen? Amen!
1 1 Corinthians 13:11
3 “You weren’t an accident. You weren’t mass produced. You aren’t an assembly-line product. You were deliberately planned, specifically gifted, and lovingly positioned on the earth by the Master Craftsman.” – Max Lucado.
4 Colossians 3:23
5 1 Peter 4:10