The Violinist and the Bricklayer

“Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, let us use them,” says Romans 12:6a.

A concert violinist had a brother who was a bricklayer. One day a woman began talking to the bricklayer about how wonderful it was for him to be in the same family as the well-known musician.

But then, not wanting to insult the bricklayer, she added, "Of course, we don't all have the same talents, and even in the same family some just seem to have more ability than others."

The bricklayer replied, "You're telling me! That violinist brother of mine doesn't know a thing about laying bricks. It’s a good thing he makes money playing that fiddle of his, because if he didn’t, he couldn't hire a guy with know-how like mine to build his house."

We have all been given different talents, gifts, abilities. God works in different ways through each of us, and these gifts are distributed according to God’s choosing, not our own. We are to serve him as we use our gifts to glorify him.

We should use our gifts and abilities to glorify Him, and to being lost souls to Jesus. In that way, houses get built and music gets played.

Romans speaks about the gift of serving others. God has given us the gift of serving the poor here at the Mission on Skid Row. Please join us.

Help us declare and demonstrate the love of Jesus by preaching the gospel and feeding the poor. You may use a credit card when you donate online, www.fjm.org. Or mail your donation to me here at Fred Jordan Mission, PO BOX 12345, Covina, CA 91722.

And remember, if you want to build a house, don’t search for a "violinist." And if you need a violinist for your orchestra, don't hire a bricklayer.

Blessings,

Willie Jordan (Mrs. Fred Jordan)