The Clock Face Illustration

[pinkpopcorn]

THE CLOCK FACE ILLUSTRATION' 
 

A Bethel speaker was talking about how all of the brothers and sisters are important in the congregation, "but we never want to overlook the part the older (and handicapped ones) play in keeping the congregation strong even when they aren't able do as much as they once could". 

He pointed out that on a clock face there may be three hands - the second hand, the minute hand, and the hour hand. He likened the second hand to the younger/healthier ones in the congregation. They have lots of energy and race around doing things, just as the second hand goes all the way 'round the clock face in just 60 seconds. 

The minute hand is like those in the congregation who are a little older, even middle-aged and ones having disabilities. They don't have the energy of the young healthy ones but still accomplish much, just as the minute hand moves slower than the second hand but still gets around the clock face once every hour. 

The older ones, as well as those with handicaps, in the congregation are like the hour hand, which moves a lot slower than the second hand or the minute hand but still gets around the clock face every twelve hours. They aren't able to do as much - quantity-wise - as they once did when they were young or not ill. But they keep moving along at their own pace. 

Each hand on the clock has its function. 

But then he asked, "If you had no second hand on the clock, 
could you tell what time it is?" Yes. 

If you removed the minute hand too and just had the hour hand, could you still tell the time? 

Yes, not as precisely, but you could make a pretty close guess. 

But if the clock had only the second hand could you tell the time? No. 

How about if you had only the minute hand? No. 

Even if the clock had both the second hand AND the minute hand, could you tell what time it is? No, you need the hour hand. 

So, even though the older ones and those with handicaps may not be able to keep up the pace of the younger ones and those with good health, they are very important to the spiritual health and stability of the congregation.

They are encouraged to keep doing what they can, at the pace they are able to maintain, for the benefit and blessing of all in the congregation. 

For the congregation to be at its strongest spiritually, all our brothers and sisters, young and in good health as well as older ones and those with disabilities, are needed.

"The power beyond what is normal may be God's and not that out of ourselves"- 1 Cor 4:7

[feather]

love this illustration!!

 

   going to share it with our dear and fragile friends in

     asst living...

 

   many thanks Chris! 

[Jewelz]

Beautiful! Thanks for sharing

[Patie]

Wow this has become my favourite illustration....great   thanks for sharing.

[Holly]

Love it!  Thanks Chris!  Just printed it!

[mpunga]

I herd it at this years Circuit Assembly hahahaha we really need the elder ones. 

[mpunga]

Am sorry that was last year

[pinkpopcorn]

I think it is a terrific illustration it is ageless, much like a clock face. 

[Brenda]

I printed this as well.  We have an elderly brother moving soon to a closer congregation.  He's in his eighties and is becoming a little slower.  But I absolutely love his comments.  And when he reads the WT, it is with such feeling, I get goosebumps.  He's originally from UK and has a British accent that I love listening to.  I will really miss him and his wife  I hope this makes him still feel needed and loved.

[trottigy]

Stole it! Used it tonight in my talk - Glorify God With All We Have.

The audience and my wife - loved! Thank you for posting.

[stuagu]

and i used it for a field service presentation on monday... lovely stuff. many thnx and christian love bruv gu

[trottigy]

What do they say - "imitation is the highest form of flattery." In this case - Spiritual Plagiarism.  

[pinkpopcorn]

Well, I just sent it on to all of you guys and gals!  

[pnutts]

Just mentioned this to an elderly one tonight. Turns out she just turned 86 today -and had a talk in 2nd school. She is still a pioneer - although reduced hours, and hasn't been well for past 2 months, but she is back at meetings again. So encouraging and well thought out are her comments.