As in the parable of the pounds (minas in the NIV; Luke 19:12-27), where each servant was given the same amount of money, we each have been given the same amount of time. But few of us use it so wisely as to produce a tenfold return. The parable recognizes different abilities; the servant with less capacity but equal faithfulness received the same reward. We are not responsible for our endowments or natural abilities but we are responsible for the strategic use of time.
— J. Oswald Sanders (1902–1992), Missionsleiter und Autor
Related Bible passage: LUK.19.12-27
Topics: Time & Transience, Work & Vocation
Occasions: For Reflection
J. Oswald Sanders
John Oswald Sanders (1902–1992) war ein neuseeländischer Bibelschullehrer, Autor und langjähriger Leiter der China-Inland-Mission (später OMF International). Bekanntheit erlangte er vor allem durch Schriften wie „Geistliche Leiterschaft“, in denen er biblische Führung auf Demut, Gebet und Charakter statt auf weltliche Machtstrukturen gründete. Für heutige Bibelleser bieten seine Texte Maßstäbe für persönliche Integrität, dienende Leiterschaft und verbindliche Nachfolge.
All quotes by J. Oswald Sanders (37)
Inner dignity remains, even when performance capacity and social role decline.
Anselm Grün
You have enough time to do everything God wants you to do.
Craig Groeschel
Francis de Sales
This is the end – for me the beginning of life.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer
Helen Keller
We are such stuff as dreams are made on, and our little life is rounded with a sleep.
William Shakespeare
T.S. Eliot
Abraham Joshua Heschel