Several years ago I was reading about Bishop Taylor Smith, (1860-1938). He was an Anglican bishop and military chaplain in the British Army. I admire his dedication to the service of mankind. I do not remember where I first heard of him, but he was a very interesting person of the Gospel. He had the daily habit of rising early, washing, shaving, then getting dressed before he ever presented himself to the Lord for instructions for the day. He called this time his QT or quite time. It was not a formal series of religious exercises such as saying set prayers or reading of certain portions of the Bible. It was in the fullest sense of the word a time of communion with the Lord. He believed that God would give him direct guidance where such guidance was earnestly and obediently sought.
He had this motto since he was in seminary, “As now-So then”. If I am careless, prayerless, slack, and lazy now, so shall I be when I am ordained. If I am careful, prayerful, studious, now, so shall I be when I am ordained.
Our goal in this life as a Christian should be to give our all in daily service to our Lord. To be honest before Him, whether in prayer, in work, or even when we relax or play. This is what pleases Him, not some learned religious exercise. In the book of Hebrews 11:5, we see that by faith Enoch was translated that he should not see death: and was not found, because God had translated him, for before his translation he had this testimony, that he pleased God. Most of the time we fall miserably short of this ideal relationship on a daily basis.
The simple words Bishop Taylor Smiths motto “As Now-So Then”, carry more weight then just a clever saying, they have so much more depth to them. We need to consider them as very important to a successful and fulfilled Christian life here on the earth. If you are not happy with who you are today, then today is the time to change, so that tomorrow will reveal the person you desire to be. One who has this testimony, you pleased God.
We are in a race against time, our years are not as long as we see them daily. I am now seventy five years old and as I look back over my life, the years have just dissipated as a vapor (James 4:14). I am trying to get you, my brethren, to look at yourselves from Gods viewpoint. We are His children (Galatians 3:26), and we are a race of Priest 1 Peter 2:5, who have this privilege of sharing the Gospel of good news (John 3 :16) to every person we are able to, even if it is only a smile or good deed that allows someone see Jesus in us.
I hope this short message helps and encourages you daily as you strive to allow Jesus to live His life through you. Remember, you will make it, just don’t give up. See you next time as we all seek the kingdom of God and His righteousness together.
In His service, Kilted Priest
The Kilted Priest 