These words from the Old Testament book of Proverbs caught my eye: How long will you lie there doing nothing at all? When are you going to get up and stop sleeping? Sleep a little. Doze a little. Fold your hands and twiddle your thumbs. Suddenly, everything is gone, as though it had been taken by an armed robber (6:9-11, CEV).
Perhaps you’ve complained to someone in a similar vein. The message is clear: time is so easily lost, invest it wisely.
In two weekend’s time, the cadets of the Heralds of Grace training session will be commissioned and ordained as Salvation Army officers, appointed to serve in communities around New Zealand and (for one) in the Czech Republic. Five auxiliary-captains will also be commissioned and ordained. Each of these individuals has chosen to invest their lives as leaders of God’s mission through The Salvation Army.
In this edition, Majors Glenda and Ivan Bezzant testify to the long-term satisfaction of making this same investment with their lives. As does Major Margaret Ousey, on the eve of her retirement. All three have faced challenges, of course, but they have also known deep joy and rich reward.
But, as Ingrid Barratt reminds us on the facing page, all disciples of Jesus look for ways to make their lives count for God’s purposes. We want to do this in our places of work and in our family responsibilities—as parents, siblings, aunts and uncles, and grandparents. We want to do this in our friendships and by getting behind causes that truly make a difference. We want to do this by building better communities.
I am reminded of the simple words of Samuel, who went on to be a great prophet of God. When God called out, this young man replied: ‘I am listening. What do you want me to do?’
What do you want me to do, God? Is there any more important, courageous and potentially life-changing question. Can I challenge you to ask—and to keep asking—that question? You will not regret stepping forward in obedience to the answer you hear.
Christina Tyson
Editor
Colossians 3:17
‘And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.’
Korohe 3:17
‘Ko nga mea katoa hoki e mea ai koutou, ko nga kupu, ko nga mahi ranei, kia meinga katoatia i runga i te ingoa o te Ariki, o ihu, me te whakawhetai ano ki te Atua, ara ki te Matua, i roto i a ia.’