A Pocketful of Preaching

Robert Jefferies

            What is in your pocket or in your purse right now? Perhaps you have a cell phone, a set of keys, and a handful of change. The question we want to examine today is how can a cell phone, a set of keys, and a handful of change apply to me spiritually?

Cell Phone

            Over the years cell phones have changed dramatically. It used to be that they were only in cars and only the rich, famous, or important business people had them. Then, when they became a little bit more affordable, people like you and me began to purchase them.

            I can remember the first cell phone that I was given as a teenager. My parents told me that it was for “emergencies only.” Such as: running out of gas, a flat tire, or a wreck. In fact, many others did the same thing.

            Today, many cell phones are used for daily communication. My wife and I will talk at least once a day on our cell phone. Plans are so affordable and give you a great surplus of minutes, that many have done away with their home phone.

            Cell phones are designed to be communication lines. Spiritually, God has given us a  communication line and it is called prayer.

            We have access to God during emergency situations. But we also are to access this communication line on a daily basis. “Rejoicing in hope; patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer … Pray without ceasing” (Romans 12:12; 1Thessalonians 5:17).

Set of Keys

            Keys provide access to various things such as: a way of travel, a storehouse for precious things, or a place of shelter.

            In Christ there is access to all spiritual blessings. “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in  Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

            These spiritual keys provide access for our way of travel. “Enter ye in at the strait gate: for wide is the gate, and broad is the way, that leadeth to destruction, and many there be which go in thereat: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it.” (Matthew 7:13-14).

            They also provide a means of access to a storehouse for precious things. “But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust doth corrupt, and where thieves do not break through nor steal” (Matthew 6:20).

            These keys as well provide access to a place of shelter. John 14:2-3, “In my Father's house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.”

Handful of Change

            Many times change is the leftovers from our purchases. Sometimes it is even the inconsequential money we ignore. However, we must remember that the little things matter. “For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth.” (Zechariah 4:10).

            The little acts of service matter (Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 12:41-44).

            The little words of kindness weigh a lot. “Heaviness in the heart of man maketh it stoop: but a good word maketh it glad” (Proverbs 12:25). Words of kindness and encouragement can go a long way.

Conclusion

Are we using what God furnishes us? Are we using the spiritual cell phone daily and in emergency situations? Are we using the spiritual keys to access all spiritual blessings? What about the handful of little things that can change our lives?