Message summary: "Are you being an asset to the planet?" The first time I was asked that question it got me to thinking in a Biblical sense about people who are an asset to the planet. Of much greater importance, and biblically speaking, they're an asset to the Kingdom of God.

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"Let us not lose heart in doing good, for in due time we will reap if we do not grow weary" (Galatians 6:9).

Years ago I received this rather unusual commendation from my older brother Mike informing me, "You're an asset to the planet". His expression of genuine appreciation toward the modest contribution I make in my sphere of influence was and still is very meaningful to me.

According to an AI description an asset to the planet can mean "making positive, lasting contributions to the well-being of people and the environment. The idea is that even small, consistent actions can have a significant impact over time". *

Now, as a means of encouragement, I share this expression with people I encounter who are assets to the planet in various ways. Yesterday I visited for a few minutes with two plumbers at JK Mechanical and reminded them of the critical role they have in public health. That means fundamentally getting good water in and bad water out. Plumbers are often used in discussions of projected AI workforce reductions as the least impacted. It will be awhile before AI robots can do plumbing. These men are certainly an asset to the planet.

But many people do terrible things and are in essence "a liability to the planet".

When I use the phrase, "You're an asset to the planet" I often get a rather quizzical look as people think through what I mean. They're likely wondering whether my comment is a compliment or disparagement! But usually their pause is followed by a smile of comprehension and a sheepish, "Well, thank you". I hope my remark is a bright part of their day and a reminder that doing good is always good!

Today's Bible text is from a passage in Galatians where the Apostle Paul is addressing the early church in Galatia instructing them to be faithful. Today, let us especially consider the phrase, "Let us not lose heart (grow weary) in doing good." Apparently, even in the Bible times, people grew weary of doing good, perhaps becoming discouraged when they couldn't see that they were making a difference. You might be feeling that way as well.

Well, that got me to thinking in a Biblical sense about people who are an asset to the planet. Of much greater importance, and biblically speaking, they're an asset to the Kingdom of God.

Consider those who have made a significant impact in your life. If we were able to do a survey of all who read this message we would probably have some common names such as Billy Graham and others who may have had a national and even an international ministry.

But most of the people who impact us personally are not well known. I expect that among those you might list would be godly parents and grandparents, pastors, Sunday School teachers, educators, coaches and many others, including those who witnessed to you, either in words or in their actions, even when you refused to listen.

I recall a phrase from my years of ministry training, "Do something big for God" which is a great aspiration. But doing something big for God is often a series of small, seemingly insignificant attempts to be an asset to the Kingdom. Most of us are just not in a place today that we can do something really big for God like being a Billy Graham, but we all can find ways to let our light shine to a darkened world around us in the small things. Let us listen to God's promptings and obey His voice!

When I was younger I received this bit of wisdom from an older person:

Now I am an older person and can impart that wisdom hopefully in this message! "Are you being an asset to the planet?"

Be encouraged today, Hebrews 3:13.

Stephen & Brooksyne Weber