FAITH VALUES
Falling leaves begin to change
By PASTOR MARGARET MILLER Foursquare Gospel Church Greencastle

Once again it is the time of year for leaves to fall and drift lazily on the wind, scattering

over yards and fence rows reminding us that nothing in this world is stagnant forever; but is forever changing

and growing.

Two events this week were a painful reminder that we, too, are but brief events in the whole sphere of time. James 4:14 warns us against getting too cozy with this life. It states, " whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away."

How we react to the fact of this verse, determines how we will live our lives. We can ignore the wisdom contained there and live as if this life is all that we have, thus putting us at conflict with the very nature of our souls. We can become discouraged that so much time has already passed, and we cannot see where we have accomplished what we wanted, so why try further since our life is fleeting anyway. Or we can take this verse to heart and be determined to enjoy and use whatever time we have to the greatest advantage.

The latter I think is the wisest choice. What better way to use our life to the fullest advantage than to daily set our face to be "transformed by the renewing of our minds, that we may prove what is that good and acceptable and perfect will of God." (Romans 12: 2) How much more productive our lives would be if we daily would place ourselves in the Master's hand and ask, "Father what is it that You would have me to do today?"

Yes, we still have our jobs, our responsibilities; but God has promised to use us where ever we are. We are to bring light into a darkened world, to be salt to a world that has slowly watered down the power of the gospel. How much richer our lives will be when we truly love our neighbors as we love ourselves. When we take to heart that the greatest thing that we can do with our lives, is to pour them into others.

Over and over Jesus reminded us that it is the love that we show for one another that defines us a Christian, not our beautiful buildings, or songs, or our massive meetings. It is not how much I give or how many times I have gone to church. It is "do I love." Do I love even those who are my enemies? Have I made a love impression on those around me that cannot be removed no matter how far away I travel? Is my love selective and thus worldly, or is it for all and thus Christlike? This is what determines the wealth of our life.

As you watch the fall leaves begin to change, then flutter and fall, why not ask "Father, I know my time too is slipping away, how can I make a love impression on someone's life, today?" Then listen, I think you will hear Him answer.