All the world’s a stage
Something short to ponder this week. Be blessed. Be encouraged.
We've all heard the quote before, "All the world's a stage!" What does this mean to you? Are we all actors? Some have bigger roles and are given more lines to memorize. Some may be given the role of "man in coffee shop". What is your role? Is this up to us? Do we get to decide what role we play? Some would say yes! "I'm in charge of my life. I will dictate what I do, where I go, and who I influence." Others say, "My life is not my own. I am at the mercy of the Great Director. It is God that governs in the affairs of men, not me." I read a quote last year that has stuck with me to this day.
“When the drama of history is over, Jesus Christ will stand alone upon the stage. All the great figures of history—Pharaoh, Alexander the Great, Charlemagne, Churchill, Stalin—will realize they have been bit actors in a drama produced by another.” (Helmut Thielecke)
Now that is powerful! We may have this perception that we are in control. That we determine our course of action. This couldn't be further from the truth. Job 36:31 tells us, "By His mighty acts, He governs the people..." (NLT). Hymn writer, William Cowper poetically stated, "God moves in mysterious ways, His wonders to perform. He plants His footsteps on the sea, and rides upon the storm.” And if you're a lover of music, Carrie Underwood simply sang, "Jesus take the wheel." We need to allow God to complete His work in us. Our Heavenly Father created this world. God gave up His only Son for us. Jesus was crucified on a cross for us. What would make us think that we own our own life?
This is the message that we need to bring every day. To guide and teach others that their life belongs to Christ. However, they need to take the unique gifts and talents He has blessed them with into all the world, stand up stage, project their voice to back row, proclaiming the glory of our Savior. Do they have a role in this life, however short it may be? Absolutely!! Titus 2:11-14 tells us, "For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works."
