Title:  Indecision

   Harvard Professor Harvey Cox said, "Not to decide, is to decide not to."

See:  1 Kings 18:21

Other Topic/Subtopic/Index:
Indecision/3446

Title:  Decisions, Decisions

   Sometimes the decision to do nothing is wise. But you can't make a career of doing nothing. Freddie Fulcrum weighed everything too carefully. He would say, "On the one hand... but then, on the other," and his arguments weighed out so evenly he never did anything. When Freddie died, they carved a big zero on his tombstone. If you decide to fish -- fine. Or, if you decide to cut bait -- fine. But if you decide to do nothing, you're not going to have fish for dinner.

   -- The Wall Street Journal

See:  1 Kings 18:21

Other Topic/Subtopic/Index:
Indecision/3446

Title:  Indian saying

   The Indians have a wonderful saying: "When you were born, you cried, and the world rejoiced. Live your life in such a manner that when you die, the world cries, and you rejoice."

See:  Phil 1:21-24; 2 Tim 4:6-8

Other Topic/Subtopic/Index:
Call/Divine, To Decision/1793
Godliness/Profitable/2872
Christlikeness/382

Title:  Poem

   James Russell Lowell, placed great value on aiming high. He wrote:

   Life is a leaf of paper white
   Whereon each one of us may write
   His word or two, and then comes night.
   Greatly begin! though thou have time
   But for a line, be that sublime --
   Not failure, but low aim, is crime.

See:  Phil 3:13-14

Other Topic/Subtopic/Index:
Call/Divine, To Decision/1793
Diligence/564
Vision/Dominates Life/506

Title:  David Livingston's Call

   After years of service in South Africa, the famous missionary Robert Moffat returned to Scotland to recruit helpers. When he arrived at the church one cold wintry night, he was dismayed that only a small group had come out to hear him. What bothered him even more was that the only people in attendance were ladies. Although he was grateful for their interest, he had hoped to challenge men. He had chosen as his text Proverbs 8:4, "Unto you, O men I call." In his discouragement he almost failed to notice one small boy in the loft pumping the bellows of the organ. Moffat felt frustrated as he gave the message, for he realized that very few women could be expected to undergo the rigorous life in undeveloped jungles. But God works in mysterious ways.
   Although no one volunteered that evening, the young fellow assisting the organist was deeply moved by the challenge. As a result, he promised God he would follow in the footsteps of this pioneer missionary. And he remained true to his vow. When he grew up, he went and ministered to the unreached tribes of Africa. His name was David Livingstone! Moffat never ceased to wonder that his appeal which he had intended for men had stirred a young boy, who eventually became a mighty power of God.
   I'm told that more than 2 million cities and towns in the world still have no organized evangelical witness! The missionary call has never been more urgent. I pray that as you share this illustration, someone may respond to this great need!

See:  Matt 28:19

Other Topic/Subtopic/Index:
Call/Divine, To Decision/1793

Title:  Abiding in your Calling

   When I took over as president (of Alaska Airlines), we grossed a hundred million dollars a year.  Ten years later we grossed one billion dollars a year.  I thought, well, if ten years form now I look back and I've done more of the same, what significance would it have?  I felt restlessness to do something for Christ.  I had to make the commitment to leave what I was doing, and make myself available for Christian volunteer work.  Scripture says, "Abide in the calling wherein you are called."'  For most of us the place that you will find your services needed is right where you are... in your home.   In your neighborhood.  In your church.  Where you work.  And, there's a great joy to be had in that service.

   -- Bruce Kennedy, former President of Alaska Airlines, on the Hour of Power.

See: Joshua 24:15; Luke 16:13; Eph 4:1; 2 Thess 1:11

Other Topic/Subtopic/Index:
Choice/Wise/676
Service/Rendered to Christ/3895

Title:  Ability and Desire in the Call of God

   M. Scott Peck, M.D., the famous author, tells the story of a young enlisted man in Okinawa who served under him as a practicing therapist.  Peter was unusually good at his assignment, and Dr. Peck tried to get him to enter graduate school on his return to the United States.  "You're a fine therapist. I could help you get into a good master's program.  Your GI Bill would pay for it."
   The young soldier said he wanted to start a business. Dr. Peck admits to being "aghast." As Dr. Peck began reciting the advantages of a career in psychotherapy, he was stopped cold by the young enlisted man: "Look, Scotty, can't you get it in your head that not everyone is like you?"
   Not every one wants to be a psychotherapist.  Callings are like that.  To identify them, two things are normally required: the God-given ability to do the job, and, equally God-given, enjoyment in doing it because of your desire to do it.

   -- Michael Novak, Business As A Calling (Free Press, 1996), p. 19.

See: Psa 37:4-6; Psa 40:8; Prov 13:12; Rom 12:3-8; 1 Pet 4:10

Other Topic/Subtopic/Index:
Call/Divine, To Decision/1793