The Climb from the Can to the Crown

There are many different words used to describe a toilet. Bathroom, water-closet, john, lavatory, latrine, out-house and the Can are some common pseudonyms. The word “lavatech” is a contraction of two words; lavatory and technician. A “lavatech” is a toilet custodian! This dubious title is reserved for that person who is in charge of toilet service and maintenance. As unpleasant as the duties may be it is the first step up the ladder to greatness. Only those who are willing to submit to this lowly task and do it with pride will emerge as chief or company director.

Children want to begin their life as prosperous as their parents who have worked forty years to get where they are at. Employees strive for promotions before they have achieved competency where they are assigned. Associate pastors think they can do a better job than does the Senior Pastor who pioneered and built church. Everyone wants to be president while still a laky. Few people are willing to pay the dues needed for greatness. Napoleon is credited to have said, “There is no greater immorality than to occupy a position for which one is neither qualified nor called.”

Moses herded of cattle for forty years before God used him as Leader of Israel. Joseph was a slave and a prisoner before he became Governor. David tended sheep and carried cheese and bread to fighting forces in the front lines. It was twenty years after he was anointed King of Israel that he dawn the crown. It has been said that it takes twenty years to become an overnight success.

Character is formed in the crucible of time where the main ingredient is adversity. Pain and hard work are the dynamics that build moral fiber. Oak trees take decades to mature. Thistles spring up overnight. So never despair when you feel like you’re down in the toilet. God is in the process of preparing you for greatness and is busy building your testimony! Bill Cosby said that “There’s no labor a man can do that’s undignified, if he does it right.” Jesus put it more succinctly when He said “Well done good and faithful servant. You have been faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things.” Matt. 25:21

During the dark hours of World War II when all of London appeared to be on fire, Sir Winston Churchill challenged his people with these words. “We shall draw from the heart of suffering itself the means of inspiration and survival.” The climb from “The Can” to “The Crown” begins at the bottom rung. Never become discouraged by your situation. Satan uses circumstances to rob you of your faith.

The life story of Harland (1890-1980) is an inspiration to everyone. His father died when he was a boy. He dropped out of school to care for his siblings while his mother worked. A stepfather beat him mercilessly and he ran away from home. He tried numerous jobs and failed at everything. As 65 he was an attendant at a service station when he got his first Social Security check of $105. With that he started cooking his mother’s recipe for chicken. Harland David Sanders; better known as Colonel Sanders, became a house hold name as did his “Finger Licking Good” Kentucky Fried Chicken.

“Whoever shall exalt himself shall be abased. He that shall humble himself shall be exalted.” Matt. 23:12

WOW These are WordsOfWisdom we can live by!