Sunday 16th August 2020 Devotion
Scripture:- 2 Samuel 9:1-13
Topic:- It Is Good To Be Good
Text:- 2 Samuel 9:7
At the point of death, a renowned civil servant, Tom Smith called his children and after praying for them, advised them to follow his footsteps so that they can have their peace of mind in life.
The elderst child, Elizabeth, a graduate, looked at the other siblings and yelled, “Daddy, its unfortunate you are dying without a penny in your bank account. It is a pity you’re leaving us the same wretched life you lived.
Personally, I can’t emulate you, she continued. Other fathers in the neighbourhood that you tag as being corrupt, thieves of public funds left houses and properties for their children; See the kind of comfortable life they live and the schools they attend.
You’re dying after 35 years of public service with just one rickety car. The only honour you have in this room is the citation of an award you won as the best Public Service Accountant when we were not even born.
Even this house we live in is a rented apartment, sorry, I can’t emulate you. You’re dying of a common disease and we can’t even fly you outside the country like the others do.
How can we cater for our mum and the little ones by living like you did in this part of the world..How? Daddy please let’s chart our own course, let’s paddle our own canoe.”
Few days later, their father gave up the spirit. Three years after, Elizabeth finished her Masters Degree. She applied for a job and went for an interview in a multinational Company.
The interview panel had already penciled down a candidate for the highly coveted post but wanted to complete the formality of interviewing all applicants on the list.
As soon as Elizabeth sat before the interview panel, the Chairman of the committee looked through her CV, nodded and asked,
“Hi Miss Smith, tell us a bit about yourself” and Elizabeth replied, “I am Elizabeth Smith. My Dad, the late Tom Smith was the Regional Head accountant of the National Insurance, and also served as Administrator of Public Health for many yesrs….”
But the Chairman cuts in, Oh my God, you are the daughter of Mr Tom Smith? I can’t believe it…He turned to other members and said “This Smith man was the one that signed my membership form into the Institute of Chartered Administrators when he served in our district in the North and his recommendation earned me where I am today.
It was really difficult getting a man in such high office to do that during those years. You needed to be rich to get your form signed but the amazing thing is, he did all these free.
I didn’t even know his address, he never knew me from Adam. He just did it for me. I returned to his office after a year only to hear he was transferred.
That was it and I never heard from him again. He turned to Elizabeth; “I have no question for you, consider yourself as having gotten this job, resume tomorrow, your letter will be waiting for you.
For how your dad remained honest and served everyone with diligence, I trust you’ll follow his path in this job.
Elizabeth Smith became the Corporate Affairs Manager of the company with two cars, one official and one for private use, attached to the office, with a duplex and two drivers and a salary of GHC100,000 per month excluding allowances and other costs when she travels outside the country.
After two years of working in the company, the Group Managing Director of the company came from America to announce his intention to resign and needed a replacement. A personality with high integrity was sought after, again the company’s Consultant nominated Elizabeth Smith.
Prayer Point:- Oh Lord God, help me to good always and to be the best You want me to be henceforth by fire, in the name of Jesus Christ.
Happy Lord’s Day!
