February 19th Entry from "Evening by Evening"

Espeically for you stay-at-home-moms...

[Andrew] first findeth his own brother Simon. - John 1:41

This case is an excellent example of what happens when spiritual life is vital. As soon as a man has found Christ, he begins to find others. I will not believe that you have tasted of the honey of the Gospel if you can eat it all yourself. True grace puts an end to all spiritual monopoly. Andrew first found his own brother Simon and then others. Relationship has a very strong demand upon our initial individual efforts. Andrew did well to begin with Simon. I do not doubt that there are some Christians giving away tracts at other people's houses who would do well to give away a tract at their own. Likewise, I wonder whether there are not some who are engaged in works of ministry abroad who are neglecting their special sphere of usefulness at home. You may or may not be called to evangelize people in a particular locality, but certainly you are called to see after your own household, your own relatives, and your acquaintances. Let your religion begin at home. Many tradesmen export their best commodities -- the Christian should not. All his conversation everywhere should carry the best aroma; but let him pay special care to put forth the sweetest fruit of spiritual life and testimony among his own family. When Andrew went to find his brother, he could not have imagined how eminent Simon would become. Simon Peter was worth ten Andrews as far as we can gather from sacred history, yet Andrew was instrumental in bringing him to Jesus. You may be very deficient in talent yourself, yet you may be the means of drawing to Christ one who will become prominent in grace and service. Dear friend, little do you know the possibilities that are in you. You may merely speak a word to a child, and in that child there may be slumbering a noble heart that will stir the Christian church in years to come. Andrew had only two talents, but he found Peter. Go and do likewise.

-Charles Spurgeon