It's The Big Things That Count

The following is from a devotional I try to read each day, and I thought it particularly poignant (how's that for alliteration, eh?).

Years ago, an expert on time management spoke to a group of business students. As he stood in front of these high-powered overachievers, he said, “Okay, time for a quiz.” He pulled out a one-gallon, wide-mouthed mason jar and set it on a table. Next he produced about a dozen fist-sized rocks and carefully placed them, one at a time, into the jar. When no more rocks would fit inside, he asked, “Is this jar full?”

Everyone said “yes.” The instructor came back: “Really?” He reached under the table and pulled out a bucket of sand. As he poured the sand, it filtered into the empty spaces left between the rocks. Once more he asked, “Is this jar full?” “No!” the class shouted. Without replying, the expert grabbed a pitcher of water and began to pour until the jar was filled to the brim.

He then asked, “What is the point of this illustration?” One eager beaver raised his hand and said, “The point is no matter how full your schedule may be, if you try really hard, you can always fit more into it!” “No,” the speaker replied, “that’s not the point.” Do you know the point? Take a few moments and think. The professor told his class, just like I’m telling you, the point is this: If you don’t put the big rocks in first, you’ll never get them in at all.

So, what are the big things in your life? The things you dare not neglect? As a Christian, I am firmly convinced that there is no more important thing than to believe on Jesus Christ as your Savior. Then, when that is done, the next biggest thing is to share Him with those who are close to you. Beginning right now, share with those special people—family, friends, neighbors, co-workers—how, through Jesus, they can be rescued from sin, death, and the devil’s power.

You may do many things with your life, see many sights, and have a lengthy list of accomplishments. Still when your last day comes, you will know the biggest thing you have ever done is to have believed and shared how Jesus suffered and rose from the dead for you and for all the world. The big thing is to share Jesus right where you are, in your own Jerusalem.

(from the Lutheran Hour Daily Devotion, January 28, 2007)