Useful not Idle

The great violinist, Nicolo Paganini, willed his marvelous violin to Genoa, Italy—the city of his birth—but only on condition that the instrument never be played upon. It was an unfortunate condition, for it is a peculiarity of wood that as long as it is used and handled, it shows little wear. As soon as it is discarded, it begins to decay. The exquisite, mellow-toned violin has become worm-eaten in its beautiful case, valueless except as a relic.

That violin can be compared to a Christian’s life. God, our designer and creator, made us to serve Him and to serve others. While we are busy serving Him, He gives us strength to continue on, but when we neglect to serve Him, His strength is not with us. We see a picture of this in the life of Joshua.

Source: Daily in the Word, April 29, 2008