Don't Just Stand There!

Oliver Cromwell was the Lord Protector of the Commonwealth of England, Scotland and Ireland in the seventeenth century.  During his time in office, Britain faced a shortage of currency.  In response to the crisis, Cromwell sent out representatives to comb the land in search of silver to use for currency.  One group was specifically instructed to search through the cathedrals in hopes that some treasure might be found within.  In the end, Cromwell was informed that the only silver that could be found was in the form of the silver statues of saints that stood in the dark corners of the cathedral.  Having no other option, Cromwell declared, "Well, then, we'll melt down the saints and put them in circulation."

Isn't that what the Lord wants of His saints?  He has no desire for us to lurk in the corners of cathedrals or church houses.  He wants us to be in circulation--reaching out to a lost and lonely world.  Out of the darkness and into the light.  In action.  Working His will in all things.

Let's face it, at the end of the day, it doesn't matter how polished and shiny a saint may be.  Sure, he may look nice and appear to be flawless, but he has no purpose.  If all he does is occupy the corners of God's house, what good is he?  Yet, too many saints are content to do just that.  They go to church on Sunday, sing the songs, smile the smiles, shake hands and listen to the sermon.  They walk the walk and talk the talk of a shining saint. . . on Sunday.  But then what happens the rest of the week?  Where's the activity?  Are they living out the sermon that was preached on Sunday, or had they forgotten it before even reaching the car?  Where is the shining saint when the car battery is dead or the boss needs someone to yell at?  Where is he when the neighborhood boy is about to end it all because no one has ever reached out to tell him that Jesus has the answers?

It's time for us to make our ways out of the corners and off the church pews.  Go to church, yes.  But take the message of Christ out into the world the rest of the time.  It's time for us to be melted down and put into circulation.  Time is running out, and there are so many souls who need Christ.  And we can't reach them if we're not willing to take a step in their direction.  Let's get moving!