For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every person that is among you, not to think of themselves more highly than they ought, but to think soberly, according as God has dealt to every person the measure of faith. (Romans 12:3)

A little Swiss watch had been made with the smallest of parts and with great care and detail. It ran with the greatest of precision, to the delight of its owner. Still, the little watch was dissatisfied with its restricted sphere of influence as it traveled around strapped to a lady’s wrist. It envied the high and lofty position held by the clock on the tower of the City Hall.

One day as the little watch and its owner passed by the City Hall, the little watch said, “I sure wish I could be way up there. I could serve so many people instead of just one.” The owner of the little watch looked down and said, “I know someone who has a key to the tower. Little watch, you shall have your opportunity!”

The next day, a slender thread was let down from the tower and the little watch was tied to it, then was pulled up the side of the tower–higher and higher. Of course, when it finally reached the top, it was totally lost from view. “Oh my,” the little watch exclaimed. “My elevation has been the ruin of me and my usefulness.”

If you desire to trade your current sphere of limited influence for a larger and more prominent one...be wary. God will elevate those whom God chooses–in God’s appointed time.

Blessed Creator, may we be honored to serve You where You have placed us and use our energy for Your work, rather than seeking loftier places!