A preacher friend sent this to me. I don't remember ever seeing the pencil parable before. It has apparently been around for a while and, as best I can tell, the author is unknown. The bible verses were added by my friend as it appears this was part of a sermon he delivered.
The pencil parable:
In the beginning the pencil maker spoke to the pencil saying, "There are six things you need to know before I can send you out into the world. Always remember them and you will be become the best pencil you can be".
1. You will be able to do many great things, but only if you allow yourself to be held in someone else's hand
1 Peter 5:6
Humble yourselves therefore under the mighty hand of God, that he may exalt you in due time.
2. You will experience a painful sharpening from time to time, but this is required if you are to become a better pencil.
Hebrews 4:12
For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and the joints and morrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.
3. You have the ability to correct any mistake you might make.
1 John 2:1
My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins: and not for ours only, but also for the sins of the whole world.
4. The most important ingredient you have is what's inside.
Psalms 139:23
Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my thoughts: and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting
5. No matter what the condition, you must continue to write. You must always leave a clear, legible mark no matter how difficult the situation.
Jeremiah 6:16
Thus saith the Lord, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therin, and ye shall find rest for your souls. (But they said, We will not walk therein)
Who's leaving the markings behind for the next generation? If we don't hold fast to His Word, will our children? Their children? You'll curse your legacy.
Live like the world, act like the world, talk like the world and dress like the world, and your children will be cursed of the world. God is looking for a people who are #1 at being #2.
6. You will become smaller each time you allow yourself to become used
John 3:30
He must increase, but I must decrease
You will become smaller each time you allow yourself to be used of God
2 Chronicles 7:14
If My people, which are called by My name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and forgive their sin, and will heal their land
I want to be #1 at being #2
Iagree!! I want to put God first. We all need to work every day at making God first in every aspect of our lives. How are you doing at this? Give it some thought.
Just thinking,
Doug
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