Are you a turkey buzzard?
By Eric Hazelhorst
Associate Director, Stewardship Office
“I’m
told that if you put a turkey buzzard in a pen that is 8’ x 8’ and is entirely
open at the top, the bird, while we know it can fly, will remain a prisoner in
that pen. The reason is that a massive bird like that cannot take off straight
up. It has to have a run of 10-12’ to have the momentum to take off. Without
space to run, it will not even attempt to fly, but will remain a prisoner in
that small jail, even with an open sky right above its head. I’ve never seen
success operate any differently. Athletes don’t become superstars overnight,
actors don’t go directly to Broadway, most business people try three or four
things before finding one that works, and most first jobs are little more than
a learning process. You can’t fly without first running and you can’t get to
success without investing time, effort and money.” --
Author Dan Miller, “Living, Laughing and Loving Life”
Becoming
a disciple of Christ does not happen overnight, either. It requires conversion,
vulnerability and effort. Everything we need has already been given to us
through our baptism. What we do with everything is what truly matters. Remember
the elephant story? Through living, our minds and opinions are formed which can
be like a wooden stake to an elephant or a small pen to the buzzard. To gain
momentum in our efforts as stewards, we need to invest ourselves and resources
into the process. The programs and possibilities are readily available for
learning or for giving your time and talent. There are many good conferences
for you and your family to give you a spiritual shot in the arm. These do take
time and money in some cases. But like the buzzard, these activities allow room
for running before you fly. Successful people understand the investment. Did
you know that someone paid $650,100 on eBay to have lunch with Warren Buffet? Last year someone else paid $610,200. The funds go to one of
Warren’s charities, but what is important to understand is people out there
want to be as successful as Mr. Buffet and are willing pay huge amounts of
money just to get a little of his wisdom and guidance.
So
what investment are you making in your relationship with Christ? Granted, it
does not take what it costs to break bread with
“Through
these he has given us his very great and precious promises, so that through
them you may participate in the divine nature and escape the corruption in the
world caused by evil desires. For this very reason, make every effort to add to
your faith goodness; and to goodness, knowledge; and to knowledge,
self-control; and to self-control, perseverance; and to perseverance,
godliness;” 2
Peter 1:4-6