(Jesus said) "In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven." Matthew 5:16

Sunday -- what a wonderful day to sleep in and do nothing.

Although I've never seen a scientific study on it, I believe doing nothing is one of the great pleasures of life.

Doing nothing is something Melody Schick is very good at. Not so very long ago, Schick dressed herself up as a rag doll and sat down on a revolving platform.

Only Schick's eyes moved. The rest of her just sat and sat and sat and, well, you get the idea.

Five hours and 43 boring minutes after Schick first sat down, she slowly stood up and tried to smile. She smiled because she had just become the proud holder of the world's record for sitting still. Amazingly, Schick's stunt took place at a shopping center while hundreds of shoppers watched her do -- nothing.

I don't know which is worse, doing nothing or watching someone else do nothing.

You know, there are an awful lot of people who have taken Melody lessons.

By that I mean they work very hard at doing nothing. Or they stand around and watch other people do nothing. It's fascinating and it's such a waste. Each of us has been given gifts from God -- gifts He wants us to use for a purpose.

Now, it's possible that doing nothing may be Schick's gift. But it's difficult for me to believe "doing nothing" is the kind of gift the Lord distributes in abundance to the masses.

What the Lord really wants from us is for His people to appreciate His Son. He wants them to thank the One who has saved them from sin, Satan, and death. God wants people who are willing to let their lights shine, to glorify the Savior, and to help those around them.

It may not be as exhausting as doing nothing, but it sure is easier for people to watch.


From a devotion originally written for "By the Way"



THE PRAYER: Dear Father, when I am tempted to do nothing, please help me refocus my energies into accomplishing something that will be a reflection of Your love to those around me. In Jesus' Name, I ask this. Amen.

In Christ I remain His servant and yours,

Today's Bible Readings: Genesis 33-35    Matthew 20:17-34

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