Clergy/Leaders’ Mail-list No. 2-020 (Devotional)

WHAT’S VALUABLE IS WHAT INSPIRES US – AND BRINGS US HOPE!

by Brian Stewart

Through our Lord Jesus Christ … we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God … we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. (Romans 5.1-4)

It’s curious to observe what some people determine as valuable.

I recently visited a home, unpretentious, humble – rundown, really – and in need of a lot of work.

In the lounge room, however, stood a massive home entertainment system: expensive! “Why hadn’t that money been spent on paint, repairs or carpet?” I wondered. What a difference the cost of the system would have made to the appearance and value of that home!

It’s all a matter of what one sees as being valuable which, as I say, is curious!

Wealth and possessions are funny things. Just a few weeks before my father’s death I visited him in the nursing home. His house and its contents had been sold: all Dad’s possessions had been reduced to what would fit into his bedside cabinet.

My father had had money but it was of no use to him now: what he presently needed was the love and respect of his children and the care and security of those who minded him. Nothing else was of any value.

How do we determine what’s valuable? Hmmm. Not an easy one.

Probably, however, the things of greatest value are the things which give us hope.

-Brian Stewart <>