2021 Daily Devotion - Day 399

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Throughout my business career, I have read numerous books, articles and quotes that would speak to me, and sometimes I would make a copy of them and keep them in a folder for reference. Periodically, I would get the folder out and read through some of the quotes. Numerous times, I shared them with my colleagues and customers. Here is one of my favorites I have shared many times. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.


The Carpenter

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife and enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.
 
The contractor was sorry to see his good worker go, and asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes. However in time, it was easy to see his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end his career. When the carpenter finished his work and the builder came to inspect the house. The contractor handed the front-door key to the carpenter. “This is your house,” he said, “my gift to you.”
 
What a shock! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently. Now he had to live in the home he had built none too well.

So, it is with us. We build our lives in a distracted way, reacting rather than acting; willing to put up less than the best. At important points, we do not give the job our best effort. Then, with a shock, we look at the situation we have created and find we are now living in the house we have built. If we had realized this, we would have done it differently.

Think of yourself as the carpenter. Think about your house. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board or erect a wall. Build wisely.

It is the only life you will ever build. Even if you live it for only one day more, this day deserves to be lived graciously and with dignity.

The plaque on the wall says, “Life is a do-it-yourself project.”

Who could say it more clearly? Your life today is the result of your attitudes and choices in the past. Your life tomorrow will be the result of your attitudes and the choices you make today.

The Bible tells us that Jesus was a carpenter. He used only the best materials and workmanship when he created us. He is the ultimate example of what being a good steward is, using our talents and gifts to glorify Him daily.

Luke 12:42
“And the Lord said, who then is that faithful and wise steward?”

Pray with me:
Lord, thank You for the example You’ve given us and the importance of always doing things with excellence. Help us to live each day honoring and glorifying You and giving You our absolute best. In Your name, we pray. Amen.

Bill Harper
Past President, Church Council
Mount of Olives Church
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