The Value of One

One of my favorite stories is the “Starfish” story. It goes like this:

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed a boy

picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. Approaching

the boy, he asked, “What are you doing?” The youth replied, “Throwing

starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out. If I

don’t throw them back, they’ll die.” “Son,” the man said, “don’t you realize

there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can’t

make a difference!” After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up

another starfish, and threw it back into the surf. Then, smiling at the man,

he said…” I made a difference for that one.”

I like that story because it emphasizes the importance and the value of

“ONE”! Too many times we get caught up in the success of some event or

ministry by how many came or how many decisions were made. But that is

not Kingdom of God mathematics.

Jesus also told two stories that emphasized the importance and value of

“ONE”. A Shepherd has a hundred sheep and one strays. He leaves the

ninety-nine and goes after the one that is lost. A woman has ten coins but

one is missing. She turns the house upside down until she finds it.

The finding of the “ONE” in both stories brought rejoicing. We don’t too

excited over “ONE” but “ONE” being found sends all of heaven into a time

of rejoicing. And I am so glad I was “ONE” that was found.

You may be just one but we promise we will see the value and importance

of “YOU” and we will try our best to treat you that way! You may be just

“ONE” but we are looking for you!

Bro. Larry