Looks like it might be a CS Lewis quote week. Dressember will begin on Saturday, I am in need of reminders that change comes when ordinary people get involved in the smallest ways.
A part of me was simply going to give a donation and be done this year. I love dresses, but every day in December is still 31 days without comfy, cozy sweatpants. Then, God placed reminders in my path that changed my plans.
This quote is another new one to me. I believe I read Mere Christianity or parts of it in college. It is a treasure trove of wisdom but necessarily a quick read if it is savored. Look at this quote:
"Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance." -CS Lewis
For those embracing the "Love Peoria" movement... this quote is perfect. If you are volunteering to be a bell ringer or to shop for a family in need this Christmas, you are compounding the good. Increased acts of kindness and heightened social responsibility can begin the change this world so desperately needs.
Jesus ministry was as much meeting the needs of the people around him as it was teaching great spiritual truths. They needed both, but pain is distracting. In some cases, the pain resulted in a soul seeking out Jesus. In other cases, Jesus loving, compassionate power caught their attention and then He could speak to their souls.
Do we use the power and resources available to us today for good or evil?
Be encouraged... our Lord is aware of our feelings, failings and shortcomings. He walked in our skin. He still loves us. Here is a passage that challenges us to get involved in the good there is to be done. Not just in our churches, but in our workplaces, neighborhoods and schools, too. The gospel can be wrapped up in our service. The gospel is never inactive.
Examine yourselves to see if your faith is genuine. Test yourselves. Surely you know that Jesus Christ is among you; if not, you have failed the test of genuine faith. As you test yourselves, I hope you will recognize that we have not failed the test of apostolic authority... For we cannot oppose the truth, but must always stand for the truth. We are glad to seem weak if it helps show that you are actually strong. We pray that you will become mature. -1 Corinthians 13:5-6,8-9
Doing good increases the good. Doing the selfish and self-serving thing gives the evil one his edge. The way, the truth and new life are available to all who choose the path. "No man can serve two masters." What are we doing with what we are given today? Doing good increases the good.
Today, I am grateful for a lesson in compound interest.
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