Gain or Loss?

"What good is it if someone gains the whole world but loses or gives up his very self?" Luke 9:25

We spent this morning back at the orphanage for children with various disabilities.  This is where I had an encounter with a man I will never forget.  I had the opportunity to spend some time with a man named Dick Rutherford.  Mr. Rutherford has been a missionary to Guatemala for eleven years and is originally from Washington state.  He needed some help unloading a wheel chair he had repaired for a family which led to the opportunity to spend some time with him.  He selflessly ministers to the children and their families in need every day.  He is not supported by any particular group, and lives in a dangerous neighborhood with no running water inside his home.  He specifically moved to this area in order to minister to the children and show them Christ. 

This morning he got a call from the hospital about a child in need of a wheelchair. I went wih him to visit with the young boy and his mother.  Within two hours, we had picked up a new chair and walker from a ministry put in place for manufacturing, and delivered them to this family for no charge.  Mr. Rutherford  arranged for funding and made all of this happen wth phone calls and connections.

He spoke to me about how some people back home think he gave up everything to come here to do what God made him to do.  "In reality," stated Mr. Rutherford, "I gained everything and gave up nothing. I start my days in prayer asking the Lord to guide and direct me on who I should show His love to. This brings me more joy than you can imagine."  While spending time with Dick, I quickly realized he was a talented man. One of those we all know that just has the ability to get things done. What really struck me about him was the way he is absolutely sold out to using his God given talents for Christ's glory.  He wasn't interested in getting any recognition or glory.

What a novel idea, devoting your life to what you were made to do for our Creator's glory.  Why do we desire the approval of men so much?  This is a such symptom of our selfish nature in wanting glory.  The truth is all of us would be extremely embarassed if we had to post all of our thoughts on Facebook.  The only remedy: more Christ and less of us.  What about you?  What have you been blessed with?  A talent, an education, any relationships?  Who's glory are you using them for?  Be careful, they weren't given to you to be noticed but to make His name renown.  We should all start our day tomorrow on our knees asking for guidance as Dick Rutherford will.  Don't you want the "more joy than you can imagine" he spoke of? 

After all, what do you have to lose?  Better yet...look at what you have to gain.