This attitude is certainly true in matters of religion. Day after day one is bombarded with complaints and pronouncements concerning the faults, flaws and failures of the church. It is too stiff and traditional or it is too informal and emotional. It does too much overseas when there is a crying need right here at home or it has lost all sense of mission. It doesn't care for the poor or it squanders its money on transients and bums. I could go on and on and on, but the point is made.

Have you got a match?

Have you noticed that most of the good things that get done are done by those who believe in themselves enough to try and do something to make a difference? Groups seldom begin a work and are not even likely to carry on one unless there is one who can inspire the others. Churches do not do great things. People in churches do them. The wealthy may give large gifts, but the poor widows are the large givers. Remember what Jesus said: "She has given more than all of them" (Luke 21:3).

"They" — those church folks or church leaders we often talk about in the third person — will not make us happy. "They" will not meet our spiritual needs. "They" will not make our families strong. Happiness, spirituality, and strength never come from what "they" do. These things are the direct results of what we do while seeking God!

Cervantes' Don Quixote has stirred the hearts of generations, not because he belonged to an active group, not even because he was successful in his quest. He inspires because he tried. In a world grown cold and calloused, he dared to dream the impossible dream. This befuddled old man continues to stir that good place in the human heart where each of us hides our own dreams. He started no raging fire of reform, but he did light a small candle. That small flickering flame changed the lives of those around him. How about you? Have you got a match? Well then, light a candle!

 

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© 2008 Bill Sherrill's Thought for the Week. Used by permission.

Title: "Brother, Can You Spare a Light"
Author: Bill Sherrill
Publication Date: December 06, 2008

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Bill is a long time minister in Nacogdoches, Texas who loves world missions. His passion for ministry has led him all over the world. In addition to his work as a minister, he is also a licensed professional counselor. Bill's family is also involved in ministry and service to the world and community.

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