Henry Ford Was Right... and Wrong

"The best way to predict the future is to invent it." - Alan Kay, American scientist, (1940-Present)

Yes and no…

Yes, because most people never fully apply themselves or achieve their full God-given potential. And no, because as the Bible says in Proverbs 16:9, “A man’s heart plans his way, but the LORD directs his steps.”

Henry Ford, the famous automobile manufacturer, had a different way of saying the same thing as Alan Kay did in today’s quote. “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t – you’re right,” said the inventor of the Model T and the Model A.

What both Kay and Ford were getting at is this: far too often, we settle for less than what we are capable of. These two men, who were extremely successful in their respective fields, would argue that point from a business and scientific perspective. However, the purpose of this devotional message is to get you and me thinking about our spiritual potential.

Are we giving God 100% of our time, talents, and treasures? That doesn’t mean that we have to work 24/7, give away everything we own, and think about nothing except for spiritual matters. It simply means that we should seek to abide by I Corinthians 10:31 as much as possible. “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.”

In other words, the sky is the limit my friend, so stop limiting yourself in serving a limitless God. But at the same time, remember that it is God – and God alone – who equips and empowers you.

Now, as Jesus said in Luke 2:49, let’s get busy about our Father’s business!

“Come now, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business, and make a profit.’ You do not even know what will happen tomorrow! What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If the Lord is willing, we will live and do this or that.” James 4:13-15 (BSB)

- Rev. Dale M. Glading